Chapman expected to return next week vs. A’s
Aroldis Chapman flew on Friday to Tampa, where will throw in a simulate game at the minor league complex Saturday. Then, he hopefully make a rehab outing with Double-A Trenton next week before jumping off the disabled list in time to meet the Yankees in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday and make his 100-mph fastball available the next night against the woeful Athletics.
“Everything so far has been positive. We feel good about where he’s at,’’ manager Joe Girardi said prior to the Yankees’ 8-2 win over the Orioles on Friday night at Yankee Stadium. “Saturday he’ll throw in Tampa and I think he’ll throw Monday or Tuesday in Trenton and see where we go from there.’’
According to Chapman, who has been on the shelf since May 14 with an inflamed left rotator cuff, he is looking forward to strengthening a bullpen that has done well without him.
“I am very anxious to finishing the process and getting back here to help these guys,’’ Chapman said.
Chapman hasn’t faced hitters since May 12, but believes he is ready to perform.
“I feel good and my arm feels good,’’ said Chapman, who has converted six of seven save chances. “What we have to do now is get the innings in the minor leagues, see how I feel and see what happens.’’
Getting Chapman back will move Dellin Betances from the closer job to the eighth-inning spot he was in when Chapman went on the DL. Betances has dominated as Chapman’s replacement, going 5-for-5 in save chances. In six games, has worked 5 2/3 innings, allowing three hits, no runs and no walks, fanning 10 and holding batters to a .150 average.
Jacoby Ellsbury hasn’t played since May 24, when he suffered a concussion making a catch and crashing into the Yankee Stadium center-field wall.
He was making progress last week, but the headaches came back after he traveled from Baltimore to Toronto and he hasn’t participated in baseball activities since.
Considering the nature of the in- jury, Girardi was asked if Ellsbury will fly with the Yankees on Sunday when they leave for Anaheim, Calif., where they start a three-game series Monday against the Angels.
“I don’t know, I have to find that out,’’ Girardi said.
Matt Holliday started at first base Friday night against righthander Dylan Bundy. It was the first time since May 20 that Holliday played in the field and his fifth start at first base. Holliday went 2-for-4 and was replaced by Chris Carter in the eighth for defense.
Greg Bird’s minor league rehab assignment continued Friday night for Triple-A Scranton/WilkesBarre. In his eighth rehab game, Bird went 0-for-5 and scored a run.