Yankees Closer Progressing From Injury

Yankees almost have their All-Star closer back.

Aroldis Chapman continues to work his way back from left Achilles tendinitis that has kept him out since late May.

The veteran threw a live batting practice session on Tuesday at the Yankees' spring training complex. He also threw a bullpen session on Saturday and will progress to facing live hitters sometime this week. 

Updates from #Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake:

⚾️ Domingo German will pitch Wednesday for @TampaTarpons.

⚾️ Zack Britton and Aroldis Chapman will pitch at Minor League complex in Tampa tomorrow.

⚾️ Jonathan Loaisiga played catch at 110 feet today at Tropicana Field.

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) June 20, 2022

On the season, Chapman has nine saves with a 3.86 ERA, 1.64 WHIP, and 15 strikeouts in 14 innings. It's hard to imagine anybody else closing games for the Yankees when Chapman is healthy, but a new player has impressed in the late inning role.

Whenever Aroldis Chapman comes back, the Yankees need to keep him the hell away from the 9th inning.

— Mike Salvatore (@MikeSalvatore10) June 14, 2022

This is the feeling in New York now that Clay Holmes has taken over Chapman's role. 

Holmes has been lights out in the closer role this season, converting 11 of 12 save opportunities for the Yankees. Oh, he also has a 0.55 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, with 34 strikeouts in 32 innings. 

Clay Holmes allowed a run for the first time since April 8 (Opening Day). He entered the day with MLB's longest active scoreless innings streak (31 1/3 IP).

His streak of 29 consecutive scoreless appearances comes to an end, the longest streak in Yankees franchise history. pic.twitter.com/f11oEIQaqQ

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 21, 2022

I'm not sure Holmes has anything left to prove, and it is a more than likely chance the twenty-nine year old keeps the late inning role once Chapman returns. 

 Photo Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports