Aroldis Chapman is close to joining the New York Yankees’ 2022 campaign. The team has registered 40 wins and 15 losses this season. They currently top the American League (AL). 

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Aaron Judge and Anthony Rizzo on Tuesday powered the Yankees to a 10-4 victory against the Minnesota Twins. They lead the three-game series 1-0. This was the table-toppers’ seventh straight win and they became the first team in the majors to reach 40 wins this season and the fourth MLB outfit since 1975 to win at least 40 of their first 55 games.

While the Yankees have managed to dominate the current season, relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman’s addition could be a huge boost. The 34-year-old was placed on the injury list in May with a left Achilles tendinitis.

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He might have already lost his job. New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone, talking about Chapman’s role on return, said that he “a big-time arm in the back end of the pen.” The Cuban Missile might no longer be the team’s primary closer,  Randy Miller of NJ.com pointed out. 

Clay Holmes has been closing for the Yankees in Chapman’s absence. He entered the Tuesday game agains the Twins without allowing a run in 24 appearances, covering 26 innings.

The New York Yankees could use a healthy Chapman, especially since the likes of Chad Green (Tommy John surgery) and Jonathan Loaisiga (shoulder) are facing injuries. 

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Boone further added that the relief pitcher is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday or Saturday. 

“He’s almost asymptomatic. So it’s not really a concern,” the manager added. However, once he is back, Boone said, Chapman will be ready to fire. 

Chapman had recorded a 3.86 ERA over 14 innings this season before being placed on the IL. His strikeouts came down to 9.64 from 15.5 last year.