OAKLAND -- The Yankees got some good news Sunday morning as closer Aroldis Chapman was activated from the disabled list.
"I feel healthy and strong," Chapman said through a translator. "The velocity is up there now and I wasn't as sharp as far as commanding my pitches, but that's something I can get in the next couple days."
Chapman had spent a month on the DL with left shoulder rotator cuff inflammation. The Yankees optioned catcher Kyle Higashioka to make room. Manager Joe Girardi was happy to see Chapman back, especially as the Yankees entered Sunday having lost a season-high five straight games and had watched players get hurt seemingly daily on their West Coast road trip.