OLD-FASHIONED DH FOR YANKS-RAYS
Single-admission twin bill after rainout:
The Yankees and Rays will play a single admission doubleheader on Thursday to close out the four-game series in the Bronx. Wednesday night’s game was postponed at 6:30 because of a forecast of severe weather heading toward the metropolitan area.
First pitch on Thursday will be at 3 p.m. with the nightcap 30 minutes after the completion of the first game.
The Yankees will stick with Domingo Germán, who was scheduled to start on Wednesday, in the first game. They will use an opener and bullpen day in the second game, pushing back J.A. Happ until Friday.
“With the consecutive games, we’d have to insert somebody, so we’d just figured we’d do it now,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said of using the bullpen for the second game.
The Yankees, who are in the middle of 17 straight games to start the second half, will have their usual rotation bumped back a day behind Happ. They
will also call up a pitcher for Thursday to make sure their bullpen is covered. Chance Adams was scheduled to start for Tripe-A Scranton on Thursday.
CHAPMAN DISPUTES REPORT
Aroldis Chapman denied a published report Wednesday that he will exercise the option in his contract after this season. The Yankees closer said that he had not spoken to his agent about the opt out and said he will not think about it until the season is over.
“At some point when the season is over, I have to sit down and talk to my agent about it. But the truth is, honestly, I feel really good here,” Chapman said. “There’s no reason for me to start thinking about changes or anything like that. I feel great here. Eventually, when the season is over, I’ll sit down and talk about it. No need right now.”
The report cited a “friend” of Chapman who said he would a “million percent” exercise the opt-out in the contract. That would have the 31year-old forfeit the $30 million remaining over the final two years of the deal and hit the free agency at age 32.
While Chapman said it had not been something he has thought about, he admitted that he knew that if he does not opt-out after next season the Yankees gain the ability to trade him.
“I want to stay here for sure, right? But at the same time, from what I understand, after next year my contract changes a little bit and the Yankees have the ability to trade me,” Chapman said. “It’s one of those things that is kind of out of my control, but yeah, God willing I’d want to finish it here.”
If he does opt out, the Yankees already have two closers
under contract for next season in Zack Britton and Adam Ottavino. Chapman would enter a reliever market highlighted by Dellin Betances, Arodys Vizcaino and possibly Sean Doolittle (who has a club option) and Kenley Jansen, who also has an opt-out.
HELLER PULLED BACK
Yankees right-hander Ben Heller had his rehab assignment shut down this week after feeling “something” in his elbow/forearm area. The 27year-old was making his way back from 2018 Tommy John surgery and had been pitching with the Triple-A club.
“He had a little issue with his elbow/forearm, so he was coming to see the doc,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “So, we’ll see what comes of that.”
In better Yankees’ rehab news, Luis Severino and Dellin Betances threw for the second time on Wednesday. Both are coming back from shoulder and lat injuries. They began the throwing program on Monday with 25 throws at 60 feet, which they did again on Wednesday. They are weeks away from getting back on the mound.
STOCKING UP
With no chance for depth moves in August under the new MLB trade deadline rules, the Yankees continue to make insurance moves. They acquired Terrance Gore Wednesday from the Royals for cash considerations in a minor league deal.
The right-handed batter hit 14-for-51 with two doubles, a triple and an RBI in a careerhigh 37 games with the Royals this season. He also had 13 stolen bases in 18 attempts this season.
“Obviously depth and a guy with a lot of speed that could play a certain role for you down the road,” Boone said. “One of the things you’ll probably see with this trade deadline.”
Gore was not added to the 40-man roster and was assigned to Triple-A Scranton.