New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman ensured he would miss the start of the team’s postseason by not showing up to a team workout on Friday.
The left-handed pitcher was supposed to pitch batting practice in the Bronx but was in Miami instead. Manager Aaron Boone said Sunday that he did not have “an acceptable excuse.”
Chapman, who posted a 4.46 ERA this season, was not a lock to make the 26-man ALDS roster. He’s had a series of inconsistent mechanics and erratic pitching performances throughout the regular season. His last save was on May 17.
“I think he questioned whether he was going to be on the roster or not,” Boone said.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman said he fined the 34-year-old and that “there’s some questions about whether he’s been all in or not for a little while.” On Sunday, Cashman said he was initially shocked by Chapman’s absence but not surprised.
The team has not ruled out Chapman joining the team in later playoff rounds but made it seem unlikely he would be back.
Chapman missed time this season for an infection in one of his leg’s after getting tattooed. He was on the injured list from Aug. 24 through Sept. 16, straining a bullpen that was already spread thin.
