In the past, New York Yankees’ closer Aroldis Chapman has encountered a few issues in a couple of specific postseason instances. Basically, teams knew they were going to see a fastball or a slider, and the late-inning reliever can be overpowering but isn’t known for having pinpoint command.
That’s why Chapman wanted to resume using a long-lost weapon: a splitter. The Yankees certainly encouraged him, as it provides the pitcher with a third offering to go with his already great fastball-slider combo.
Chapman recalled seeing fellow Cuban hurler Jose Contreras (who pitched for the Yankees) dominating hitters with a very effective splitter.