Chapman ready for return to Yankees

The New York Yankees activated All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman from the injured list after he recovered from COVID-19.

Chapman tested positive for the coronavirus during preseason camp on July 11 and has been away from the club since. The left-hander experienced only mild symptoms and constructed a weight room in his Manhattan apartment to stay in shape while quarantined.

Chapman, 32, was cleared to resume activity July 31 and has been working out at the team’s alternate site in Scranton, Pa.

Chapman had a 2.21 ERA and 37 saves in 60 appearances last season. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he’ll be conservative with Chapman’s workload early on, but anticipates using his closer in high-leverage situations immediately.

Cardinals

St. Louis optioned right-hander Roel Ramirez to its alternate training site a day after he surrendered four consecutive homers in his major league debut. Ramirez, 25, will remain with the team in Chicago on its taxi squad.

Reds

Cincinnati made travel plans for Kansas City and expected to start Luis Castillo (0-2) in the series opener Tuesday night, assuming it’s played. The Reds are the third MLB team to have games postponed because at least one of its players tested positive for COVID-19, joining the Miami Marlins and Cardinals.

Tigers

Detroit is calling up three prospects, including right-hander Casey Mize, this week to make their major league debuts against the Chicago White Sox. Tigers general manager Al Avila said Mize is scheduled to start Wednesday night at Chicago after left-hander Tarik Skubal goes Tuesday night. Mize, 23, was the No. 1 pick overall in the 2018 amateur draft.

Nationals

Luis Garcia became the first player born in the 2000s to hit a homer in the big leagues. The 20-year-old Washington second baseman made history with a two-run shot into the right-field seats off Atlanta’s Touki Toussaint in the second inning.