TORONTO -- Facing Aroldis Chapman in an extended spring camp game proved to be no easy assignment for three Yankees Minor Leaguers, as the left-handed closer worked a perfect inning in his first appearance on Wednesday.
Chapman got a broken-bat grounder from Yankees prospect Carlos Vidal and struck out Estevan Florial and Jared Mitchell on 3-2 pitches, according to The Associated Press. Chapman touched 98 mph during the 15-pitch outing at the recently named Derek Jeter Field.
"He had a good outing today," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said in Toronto. "He saw three hitters. His velocity was fine. That was good news."
The 28-year-old Chapman is working out at the Yanks' Minor League complex in Florida while serving a season-opening 30-game suspension stemming from baseball's new domestic violence policy.
While Wednesday marked his first game appearance, Chapman has been throwing in bullpen sessions since the Yankees left Florida to open the regular season.
Until the suspension is served, Chapman is unable to play in any games where admission is charged. Chapman will be eligible to return to the Yanks on May 9, regardless of any postponements at the Major League level.