Yankees’ Aroldis Chapman to make spring debut on Thursday
Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman works out during the first day of spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida, on Feb. 18, 2016 Credit: Newsday / Thomas A. Ferrara
TAMPA, Fla. — Aroldis Chapman is set for his spring debut.
The lefthander, acquired in the offseason from the Reds in exchange for four minor leaguers, will pitch for the Yankees on Thursday afternoon against the Blue Jays at Steinbrenner Field.
“I’m very happy getting the opportunity to pitch in a Yankees uniform,” Chapman said Wednesday morning through a translator. “I’m looking forward and anxious to get on the field to face hitters in a game situation.”
Chapman was suspended for the first 30 games of the regular season last week by Major League Baseball under its domestic abuse policy for an alleged incident that occurred last Oct. 30 in the reliever’s Miami-area home. Under the terms of the suspension, which the closer did not appeal, he is eligible to continue participating in spring training.
Chapman, eligible to pitch in a regular-season game May 9, said the suspension has not altered his spring schedule.
“No, I’m still working the same routine,” he said. “Haven’t changed a thing.”
Chapman went 33-for-36 in saves last season for the Reds, posting a 1.63 ERA. He already has impressed the Yankees in his bullpens and live batting practice sessions and is eager to take the mound against hitters from another team.
“I feel very good, I feel ready,” Chapman said. “I’ve been preparing myself for the outing tomorrow. I’ve been throwing some sides, some live BP and I feel like I’m ready to go.”
Erik Boland started in Newsday's sports department in 2002. He covered high school and college sports, then shifted to the Jets beat. He has covered the Yankees since 2009.
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