The New York Yankees will be without Aroldis Chapman in their ALDS against the Cleveland Guardians after the reliever was absent without permission Friday.
The Athletic reported Sunday that manager Aaron Boone said Chapman was supposed to throw live batting practice “but did not show up.”
As a result, Chapman has been left off the ALDS roster and Yankees general manager Brian Cashman says the team has fined the 34-year-old pitcher for missing the mandatory workout.
Boone said Chapman is in Miami, where he lives.
“There was no legitimate reason why he wasn’t here,” Cashman said (via The Athletic.) Cashman said that Chapman’s absence is “shocking,” but not “surprising.”
Aroldis Chapman going AWOL for the postseason was “shocking” but not “surprising,” Brian Cashman said.
— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) October 9, 2022
Chapman struggled through his worst season, with a 4.46 ERA and 1.431 WHIP in 43 appearances. Even though he’s far from the shut-down closer he was in his prime, he’s still bullpen depth the Yankees could use in the postseason.
Chapman will be a free agent at the end of the season. This is certainly not a good look if he hopes to continue his career.
The general consensus from Yankees fans on Twitter: “Good riddance” to Chapman.
“He might as well retire. Who wants to sign him after the season anyway? … The guy clearly is not committed to his craft,” tweeted Chris Hock.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.