Chapman's ailing shoulder shows improvement

ST. LOUIS -- The sore left shoulder that has made Reds closer Aroldis Chapman unavailable since Sunday's four-walk debacle at Colorado has improved.

"The achiness was out, but he didn't throw [on Tuesday]," Reds manager Bryan Price said on Wednesday. "He's getting treatment and some medication and stuff like that, which takes a little time to work."

Chapman played catch on the outfield grass with bullpen catcher Nilson Antigua for about 10 minutes on Wednesday afternoon and reported that he felt good.

As a policy to keep the opponent in the dark, Price never reveals before a game whether a reliever is available.

On for a non-save situation in the ninth inning of Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader with the Rockies, Chapman issued four straight walks to allow a run before the Reds were walked off for a 10-9 loss. Price revealed Monday the club learned after the fact that Chapman's shoulder was feeling achy.

"There's not a concern for a longterm layoff being necessary," Price said on Wednesday.