Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman earned his third save of the season on Sunday afternoon by closing out the Red Sox's 3-1 victory over the White Sox in Chicago. Chapman took the loss on Saturday, allowing a walk, stolen base, and walk-off single after entering the ninth inning in a tie game. He came in with a two-run lead on Sunday and had two strikeouts in the ninth, getting Luis Robert Jr. to start the inning and Michael A. Taylor to end the game. The 37-year-old veteran has 11 strikeouts in his seven innings and has converted each of his three save opportunities. The run he gave up on Saturday is the only run he has allowed all season, but he has now pitched in back-to-back games, so he may not be available as the Red Sox continue their road trip in Tampa Bay on Monday night.
Aroldis Chapman Secures Win, Earns Second Save Of The Season
Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman picked up the save in Saturday's 13-9 win over the Cardinals. Cooper Criswell came on for the Sox in the ninth with a 13-6 lead, but allowed three hits and three runs to score before exiting the game with two runners on. Chapman walked the first batter to load the bases, but coaxed a game-ending double play from Cardinals catcher Ivan Herrera to secure the win and record the save. It was the lefty's second save of the season, now with no runs allowed in three appearances to go along with a 2:2 BB:K. The veteran racked up 14 saves last season for the Pirates, and as Boston's primary closer, he should surpass that total with ease so long as he keeps performing well.
Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman finally received a save opportunity as the team looked to end their four-game losing streak on Wednesday. The veteran southpaw was called upon to hold a three-run lead against the Baltimore Orioles tough lineup. It didn't go perfect for Chapman as he did walk one batter, but he also struck out one hitter as well. He eventually earned his first save of the season and fantasy managers are hopeful for many more to come. The organization said coming into the season that Chapman would be the primary closer, but they also wouldn't be afraid to use him earlier in the game if needed. That being said, Chapman might not get all the save chances in Boston, but he's still worth rostering in most leagues where saves matter.
Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman was recently named the primary closer heading into the regular season, according to manager Alex Cora. Well, there's still 161 more chances for Chapman to get a save, but he didn't get that chance on Thursday. Instead, Chapman was called upon to face left-handed slugger Corey Seager in the eighth inning. It's worth noting that the game was tied when Chapman came in which could be part of the reason why they decided to use him in that spot. Afterwards, Wilyer Abreu smacked a three-run home run and right-hander Justin Slaten was called upon to close out the game. Chapman will certainly get his save chances, but this isn't quite a full-time closer role like the organization claimed it was a few days ago. Fantasy managers who have Chapman rostered should keep him as he'll likely still get a majority of the save opportunities.
Boston Red Sox left-handed relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman will operate as the primary closer to begin the season, according to manager Alex Cora. As expected, Chapman has won the closer competition in Boston, but he could pitch in different spots as well. Cora confirmed that Chapman could pitch in the seventh or eighth inning if the matchup is right. If that happens, Liam Hendriks or Justin Slaten could see the occasion save chance. For now, fantasy managers should expect Chapman to get the bulk of the save chances in Boston to start the season.
Aroldis Chapman Appears To Be In-House Favorite For Saves
MassLive's Christ Cotillo and Sean McAdam write that Boston Red Sox veteran left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman appears to have become the in-house favorite to close out games in the ninth inning to begin the 2025 regular season. The quality of Chapman's stuff has stood out, despite the fact that veteran right-hander Liam Hendriks has corrected some of the command issues that plagued him early in spring training. Chapman isn't immune from command issues, either, but he's pitched much better than Hendriks this spring and is also a seven-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion that has 335 career saves over 15 MLB seasons. This news will be favorable for Chapman's ADP in fantasy drafts before Opening Day next Thursday, but don't forget that he walked 39 hitters in 61 2/3 innings a year ago in Pittsburgh. Chapman will still be a shaky fantasy closer with a likely short leash if he struggles.
Aroldis Chapman Agrees To One-Year Deal With Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox and relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman have agreed to a one-year, $10.75 million deal. Boston was looking to add a left-handed bullpen arm and Chapman would fulfill that need. The 36-year-old was a reliever for the Pirates last season, taking over as closer down the stretch, and tallied a 3.79 ERA (3.04 FIP), 1.35 WHIP, 22.3% K-BB%, 22 holds, and 14 saves over 61 2/3 IP. Right now it's uncertain who will be the closer as Kenley Jansen is a free agent and Liam Hendriks was shut down late last season due to elbow soreness after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Chapman could be a solid source of strikeouts for fantasy managers regardless of role, but would be even more relevant were he to be named closer, so keep an eye on this situation come spring.
According to Francys Romero, six clubs have "real interest" in free agent relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman. Last summer, the hard-throwing southpaw spent the entire campaign in the Steel City and held a solid 3.79 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP with a 98:39 BB:K ratio through 61 2/3 innings of work. He also tallied 14 saves. He posted stellar metrics under the hood with a 2.98 xERA and .165 xBA, which placed him in the top 90th and 99th percentile, respectively. He also showcased elite swing-and-miss upside with a 32.3% whiff rate and 37.1% K rate. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to where the 36-year-old signs in the offseason, as he could be a favorite to earn save opportunities given his ability to generate whiffs at an elite rate.
Aroldis Chapman Earns Eighth Save Of Season Tuesday
Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman notched his eighth save of the season in Tuesday's 6-4 win over the Marlins. The 36-year-old veteran came in to pitch the top of the ninth inning up by three. He got the first out on a strikeout, allowed back-to-back singles, got the second out on a fly-out, allowed an RBI single, and ended the game with another strikeout. Chapman has been inconsistent this season but has converted three of four save opportunities in the last seven days. He appears to be the fantasy arm to roster with David Bednar recently being removed from the closer's role. Chapman has now converted eight of 13 save opportunities this season with a 4.18 ERA, a 14.63 K/9 rate, and a 6.27 BB/9 rate in 56 innings pitched this season.
Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman was called upon to record the final two outs of Thursday's game against the Washington Nationals. The Pirates were leading by five runs, but got into some trouble during the final frame. They brought in Chapman to put out the fire, which he did with ease. The southpaw recorded his sixth save of the season on Thursday. He appears to be the favorite to lock down saves in Pittsburgh with David Bednar being removed from that role. Fantasy managers looking for help with saves should check the waiver wire to see if Chapman is available.
Aroldis Chapman
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Red Sox
