Despite erratic rehab outing, Aroldis set to return

June 17th, 2017

TRENTON, N.J. -- Despite an erratic outing for Double-A Trenton on Friday night at Arm & Hammer Park, Yankees closer feels he's ready to join the big league club in Oakland this weekend.
"It feels good to get reunited with the team," said Chapman through a team translator. "When you're up there in The Show, all of the emotion and all of that is a little different. I feel like I am ready to be up there and help my team. Right now, the plan is to be activated Sunday."
Prior to landing on the 10-day disabled list on May 14 with left rotator cuff inflammation, Chapman had gone 1-0 with a 3.55 ERA while converting seven of eight save opportunities.
The 29-year old Chapman started for the Thunder and was pulled at the 20-pitch mark by manager Bobby Mitchell with two outs in the first inning after facing four batters.
The four-time All-Star reliever struggled with his control, tossing just nine pitches for strikes and uncorking two wild pitches in the frame. He did, however, hit 102 mph on the radar gun.

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"The control wasn't really good," admitted Chapman. "But as time goes on, it is going to get better. I haven't thrown in a while; this was the first game I've pitched in. Over time, it's going to get better."
After walking Erie's leadoff hitter, Ross Kivett, on four pitches, the SeaWolves right fielder swiped second base and advanced to third on a Chapman wild pitch. After striking out Harold Castro swinging at a 100 mph fastball, the southpaw walked Dominic Ficociello, uncorking ball four to the backstop and plating a run for Erie. Chapman concluded his outing by striking out Gabriel Quintana swinging at 101 mph heat.
While the results were not what Chapman had hoped for, the most important factor is that he feels healthy and ready to contribute at the Major League level.
"I felt good out there," said Chapman. "I know my command wasn't 100 percent, but I felt really good."