The Yankees have an Aroldis Chapman problem. Their once-shutdown closer has been anything but for large stretches this season. Entering the back stretch, with each game taking on more importance than the one prior, the Bombers can ill-afford to squander wins via bullpen meltdowns.
Chapman’s 2021 season has been one of the topsy-turviest years for a reliever in recent memory. Through his first 23 appearances, he was the most dominant pitcher in baseball, with a 0.39 ERA and an inconceivable 50.6 percent strikeout rate. In his next nine outings, he was the most hittable pitcher in baseball, giving up 15 runs (14 earned) on 14 hits, nine walks, and four home runs in only 5.