Yankees Insider On Possible Major Aroldis Chapman Roster Decision

The New York Yankees bullpen is in flux right now. And that's putting it mildly. After having lost Chad Green and Michael King for the season, and now Scott Effross and Aroldis Chapman to the 15-day IL, they got a bit of good news this week, with the return of Clay Holmes (though whether he's back to his dominant self of the first half is as yet unknown). 

As for Chapman, who's on the IL because of a leg infection from a tattoo needle (yes, you heard that right), even when he does return, will anyone even notice? He's no longer trusted in a closing role, and in his last 7 appearances covering 6.2 innings, he's allowed 5 walks and 3 earned runs. Where would manager Aaron Boone even feel comfortable using him going forward?

One Yankees insider questioned if he would at all.

"I don't even know if he makes the Postseason roster."#MLBNow gives their gut reaction on Yankees LHP Aroldis Chapman after news of him heading to the IL. @Joelsherman1 | @JonHeyman pic.twitter.com/soYVe6aKBg

— MLB Now (@MLBNow) August 29, 2022

Joel Sherman of the New York Post doubted whether Chapman will even make the postseason roster. 

“Even if he hadn’t got hurt, I’m not sure Chapman even makes their postseason roster, he’s been so inconsistent,” Sherman said. "They've got Holmes back, they think they're getting Effross back soon, they might get Zach Britton back at some point; I don't even know if he makes the postseason roster."

Overall, Chapman has a 4.70 ERA this season, a 1.43 WHIP and a 35:22 K/BB ratio, all numbers that certainly wouldn't win the trust of any manager.

Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports