According to Yankees manager Aaron Boone, six-time all-star closer, Aroldis Chapman, has tested positive for the coronavirus. Chapman is the third Yankee to test positive for the coronavirus, after his teammates, D.J LeMahieu and Luis Cessa tested positive earlier in the week. Boone also said that Chapman has had mild symptoms with the virus. Chapman is one of the many all-star players around the league who have tested positive including Atlanta Braves star Freddie Freeman, San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey, and Texas Rangers slugger Joey Gallo.
Entering his fourth season since re-signing with the team in 2017, Aroldis Chapman has had a 2.23 ERA in his career. He has also had 91 saves in the past three seasons. In a reasonable scenario, Chapman would be back in around a month. First, he would most likely be in a two-week quarantine. Following, he would need to regain some conditioning and strength.
The Yankees open the season against the defending World Series champions, Washington Nationals, on July 23.
Moving Forward in the bullpen
Despite being down a six-time all-star, the Yankees still have one of the better bullpens in the league with Zack Britton, Adam Ottavino, and Chad Green. Another pitcher who could continue his 2019 success into the shortened season is Tommy Kahnle. After a disappointing 2018 season, Kahnle showed some of his 2017 excellence by posting a 3.67 ERA in 72 games.
With the signing of Gerrit Cole, the Yankees have another dependable starter, and in this case an ace. Cole could take the pressure off the bullpen that has lost some depth in Luis Cessa, and closer in Chapman.
Around the League
On Wednesday, MLB released data on the initial testing results, which showed a 1.8% positivity rate, and 66 total positive tests, with eight staff members. With the season just 12 days away, the MLB must continue to work to improve delays in testing, and contact tracing if they want to finish the 2020 season.
Main Image
Embed from Getty Images
