Aroldis throws, but future role unclear

Clay Holmes had already begun to emerge as an alternative to Aroldis Chapman — if not a replacement for the closer — before Chapman landed on the injured list last week with left Achilles tendinitis.

Holmes has been a revelation since he was acquired from the Pirates in a trade last season. So far this year, he has been sensational. He has not allowed a run in his last 24 innings, covering 22 appearances and he has six saves in six opportunities.

Asked before the Yankees’ 9-1 win over the Angels on Tuesday if he’d be OK sharing the role with Holmes whenever he returns, Chapman said through an interpreter: “It’s simple: If we’re winning, it doesn’t matter where I’m at [in the bullpen].”

Chapman’s place in the bullpen had been in question for a while, and after he was scored upon in five straight appearances, he was finally shut down.

The lefty played catch Tuesday for the first time since being placed on the IL on May 24, but declined to put a time frame on a potential return, since he had yet to test the Achilles by running.

“You have to understand, this kind of injury requires a progression and taking rehab one day at a time,’’ Chapman said. “My arm feels really good. It was never affected, so that’s a plus. At the same time, you have to go one step at a time.”

The injury is just the latest issue for Chapman, who is part of a Yankees bullpen that had been as good as any in the majors until recently. Chad Green is out for the season after tearing his UCL and Jonathan Loaisiga was shut down with right shoulder inflammation.

After putting up some of the best numbers in baseball, the pen has faltered lately, with 20 earned runs in 28 ¹/3 innings over the last 12 games.