Yankees Remove Aroldis Chapman From Roster for Missing Practice

October 10, 2022

New York Yankees reliever Aroldis Chapman was ruled out for the American League Division Series after missing a mandatory workout, exposing himself to a fine and a possible end to a seven-year stint with the Yankees.

It was anticipated that the 34-year-old Cuban would not be included on the 26-player roster for the best-of-five series against the Cleveland Guardians, which begins Tuesday night, due to his erratic performance and mechanical issues during this season.

Chapman, who has not earned a save since May 17, was supposed to participate in a practice at Yankee Stadium, but the team said he was in Miami. After speaking with Chapman, manager Aaron Boone told general manager Brian Cashman that he ordered the pitcher to stay away from the club.

"I think he had asked if he was going to be on the roster or not," Boone said.

The seven-time All-Star had already caused problems for the already depleted Yankees bullpen when he was on the injured list between August 24 and September 16 due to a leg infection caused by a tattoo.

"Unfortunately he wasn't here on Friday," Cashman said Sunday. "It's disappointing, but at the same time it's not surprising given the way everything has gone this season.

Cashman, who has been part of the Yankees organization since 1986, said he doesn't recall another case of a player missing a workout. In October 2015, New York Mets pitcher Matt Harvey missed a workout three days before the team's first game in the division series.

Chapman's agent, Scott Shapiro, declined to comment. Although the Yankees did not rule out Chapman for later rounds, they gave the impression that his return is unlikely.

Meanwhile, Boone said that infielder Matt Carpenter would very likely make the New York roster after recovering from a left foot fracture he suffered on August 8. Outfielder Andrew Benintendi is in doubt after being operated on for a fracture of a bone in his right hand. The status of infielder DJ LeMaheiu is uncertain as he recovers from a finger injury.

Additionally, reliever Clay Holmes will be on the roster, but will not be able to pitch in the first game after receiving a cortisone injection on September 29 for treatment of inflammation in his right rotator cuff.

Outfielder Benintendi is in doubt after being operated on for his hand. The status of infielder LeMaheiu is uncertain as he recovers from a finger injury.

Gerrit Cole will be the Yankees' starter on Tuesday, followed by Néstor Cortés in the second game and Luis Severino in the third.

Boone anticipates a three-pitcher rotation against the Guardians.