3 years agoNew York Yankees pitcher Aroldis Chapman could be used more in the eighth inning this season to keep the closer sharp during lengthier periods between save chances. According to Yankees manager Aaron Boone, getting Chapman into the eighth inning of a tight game is preferable to using him in low-adrenaline blowouts or having the lefty throw a post-game bullpen to get work in. "It will serve him well at times and protect other guys at times," Boone said. "It will help us as a staff and keep Aroldis more regular rather than let him get to five, six days without pitching." The 34-year-old is the Yankees' primary closer after converting 30-of-34 saves while posting a 3.36 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 97 strikeouts over 56 1/3 innings in 2021. The extra usage in the eighth inning shouldn't affect Chapman's fantasy value too much as he remains a top-10 fantasy closer heading into 2022 drafts.--Brad Camara - RotoBaller
Source: Joel Sherman of the New York Post