Yankees closer sharp in rehab

Chapman, out since May, performs well in simulated game.

New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman struck out three and walked one in one inning during his first simulated game since going on the 10-day disabled list in mid-May because of a left shoulder injury.

Chapman threw 18 pitches against minor leaguers Saturday at the Yankees’ complex in Tampa. The hard-throwing left-hander has not pitched in a game since May 12 because of what Yankees manager Joe Girardi has called tendinitis and bursitis in the shoulder.

Girardi said Chapman reached 98 mph with his fastball, and will pitch one inning Tuesday in a Class A outing. Next, he’s scheduled to throw an inning at Double-A Trenton on Friday, and could return after that, Girardi said.

Chapman is 1-0 with seven saves and a 3.55 ERA in 14 games.

Astros: Ace Dallas Keuchel won’t begin throwing again for about a week as he recovers from neck discomfort that landed him on the DL for the second time this season.

Mets: Outfielder Yoenis Cespedes had a big day in his return after missing six weeks with a left hamstring strain, going 2 for 5 with a homer and four RBIs in the first game of New York’s doubleheader against the Braves.

Marlins: Slugger Giancarlo Stanton left Saturday’s game with a bruised right wrist after being hit by a pitch from the Pirates’ Trevor Williams during the first inning. X-rays were negative, and Stanton was listed as day to day.

Cubs: Shortstop Addison Russell returned to the lineup on Saturday, two days after Major League Baseball began an investigation in the wake of domestic violence allegations. Russell went 0 for 2 against the Rockies.

Cardinals: Catcher Yadier Molina was scratched from the lineup Saturday for the second straight game with lower back stiffness.

Rockies: Right-hander Chad Bettis rejoined the team after treatment for testicular cancer. Manager Bud Black said Bettis could resume throwing in the next week and return after the All-Star break.

Indians: Right-hander Danny Salazar had an MRI that revealed inflammation in his shoulder. Salazar was placed on the DL on Tuesday.

Phillies: Right-hander Joaquin Benoit is expected to be activated from the 10-day DL today. He strained his left knee walking down the steps last weekend at Citizens Bank Park.