Aroldis Chapman, on Saturday, threw his first bullpen session since he went on the injured list with Achilles tendinitis, and left the Yankees encouraged.
The left-handed reliever threw just shy of 25 pitches and came out of it without any issues, according to pitching coach Matt Blake, in the first step toward Chapman’s eventual return to the Yankees bullpen.
“I thought it went really well,” Blake said before the Yankees’ 8-0 win over the Cubs at the Stadium. “The intensity was high. The velo was good. He was averaging like 95-96 [mph] in the pen, which is probably where he was in games for a portion of the season.So felt like the intensity was good, the tightness of the delivery was much improved. So I feel like we’re in a good spot overall.”
Chapman will throw another session on Monday or Tuesday, according to Blake. That could be followed by a live batting practice session before the Yankees determine the next step.
What role Chapman will returns in is less clear, though it is unlikely to be as the closer. Clay Holmes has stepped into that spot and thrived. Either way, there is value for the Yankees in adding a more effective Chapman back to their bullpen.
“I think there were some little things that were starting to creep into his delivery,” Blake said. “It’s hard to separate out from the Achilles issue, if that was part of it, or if the delivery was getting sideways on its own. But just a reset, making sure everything’s in working order and then add a couple cues for him to keep things tight.”
Jonathan Loaisiga, who is on the IL with right shoulder inflammation, is expected to rejoin the team on Sunday after tending to a family matter in Nicaragua.