Yankees Place Chapman On Injured List; Yankee Fans Suspicious

Could it be that a foot injury was partially to blame for New York Yankee Aroldis Chapman's recent struggles? Many Yankee fans will disagree. But either way, the fans won't have Chapman to kick around for the next 15 days at least, as he's been placed on the injured list with what the team is calling Achilles tendinitis.

The closer's MRI came back clean, according to manager Aaron Boone, but nevertheless, Chapman will be getting at least a two-week break. The 34-year-old has given up runs in his last five appearances, bumping his ERA from 0.00 just two weeks ago, to 3.86.  

And as for those aforementioned fans? They're not really buying that Chapman is injured. 

Chapman injury is so obviously fake. But the right move. Anything that keeps him off the mound.

— Clifford Asness (@CliffordAsness) May 24, 2022

Forgive me, but Chapman isn’t hurt. This is a smokescreen

— THIBODEAUX & NEAL. THE DREAM CAME TRUE!!!! (@Giants9Yankees) May 24, 2022

CHAPMAN GONE pic.twitter.com/ptdJ3R7Cte

— 𝐊𝐓𝟓 (@JoeSchoenMVP) May 24, 2022

The implication is that the team wants Chapman to take a couple of weeks, chill, and re-juice the batteries. Hopefully come back in top form. 

Clay Holmes has filled in admirably as closer when called upon, and now he'll get more reps in the role. Holmes has four saves, a microscopic 0.42 ERA and an equally miniscule 0.69 WHIP. 

Despite the loss of Chapman and Chad Green (Tommy John surgery), Boone's bullpen is still strong, with Holmes backed-up by Michael King, Jonathan Loaisiga and Wandy Peralta. 

The Yankees are using the roster spot to reinstate catcher Kyle Higashioka from the COVID-19 injured list.

Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports