New York Yankees Manager Joe Girardi Says Aroldis Chapman Will Play as Closer, Alex Rodriguez as DH
It's still more than a month before New York Yankees players report to Joe Girardi and the rest of the coaching staff for Spring Training in Tampa Bay, but it seems like two positions in the roster are set. Girardi confirmed on Monday that Aroldis Chapman will be the team's closer, while Alex Rodriguez will be the designated hitter.
The Yankees acquired Chapman last month in exchange for four minor league players. The 27-year-old is a four-time All-Star closer for the Reds with a career record of 19-20 with a 2.17 ERA, 146 saves, and 546 strikeouts in just 319 innings pitched, per Baseball Reference.
According to ESPN, Girardi also confirmed that he will likely use Dellin Betances in the seventh inning and Andrew Miller the eighth, but there will be days when three roles will change depending on availability. The Yankees bullpen trio of Chapman, Betances and Andrew Miller were the top three relievers in MLB last season in terms of strikeout rate.
However, there is also a looming decision regarding Chapman's domestic abuse case with the MLB ruling coming before March. Chapman's girlfriend said the she was choked and pushed against the wall by the left-handed pitcher, per Yahoo! Sports. The MLB has an on-going investigation about the incident and Chapman could face a lengthy suspension.
Girardi also confirmed that Alex Rodriguez will play as DH and announced outfielder Aaron Hicks' playing time. Catching prospect Gary Sanchez could also get a spot in the 25-man Opening Day roster.
Bleacher Report noted that the 40-year-old should be strictly a hitter, barring injuries to first baseman Mark Teixeira and third baseman Chase Headley. Hicks, on the other hand, will be playing four to five times a week according to Girardi while Sanchez can make a case as backup catcher for Bryan McCann.
New York sent last season's backup catcher John Ryan Murphy to the Minnesota Twins for Hicks. The 23-year-old Sanchez is one the best prospects in the Yankees farm system along with first baseman Greg Bird, outfielder Aaron Judge and shortstop Jorge Mateo.
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