The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Yankees get their closer back
Chapman (rotator cuff) returns after missing a month.
Closer Aroldis Chapman rejoined the New York Yankees on Sunday, ready to pitch again after more than a month on the disabled list.
The left-hander had been sidelined since May 13 with inflammation in the rotator cuff of his pitching shoulder.
He said he is encouraged the shoulder feels right at last and he is pain-free. And Chapman feels good about his velocity returning to 102 mph.
“The thing I would say is I feel healthy and strong. The velocity is up there now and I wasn’t as sharp as far as commanding my pitches but that’s something I can get in the next couple days. The team needs me and that’s why I’m here,” Chapman said through an interpreter.
Chapman pitched a perfect eighth inning in Sunday’s loss at Oakland.
Rockies: Nolan Arenado’s walk-off homer Sunday completed the eighth cycle in club history. Arenado tripled in the first, singled in the fourth and had an RBI double in the sixth. His homer completed his first career cycle, and it was his second game-ending homer in the majors.
Nationals: Right-hander Shawn Kelley was put on the 10-day disabled list because of a strained muscle in his upper right back. The reliever was on the DL in May with a lower back strain. Right-hander A.J. Cole was recalled from Triple-A.
White Sox: Right-hander Miguel Gonzelez was placed on the 10-day DL with inflammation in his right shoulder.
Pirates: Catcher Chris Stewart (hamstring) was reinstated from the 10-day disabled list and catcher Jacob Stallings was sent to Triple-A.
Mariners: Right-hander Felix Hernandez (right shoulder) will return to the rotation Friday against Houston. Right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma (right shoulder) is also expected to return during the weekend series.
Marlins: Left-hander Justin Nicolino (bruised left index finger) will come off the DL to start against Washington tonight.
Brewers: Ryan Braun (left calf strain) is cleared to play, but manager Craig Counsell said the left fielder “has got to have confidence to take the next step. We’re just not quite there yet.”
Rays: Evan Longoria and Logan Morrison hit back-toback homers in the seventh inning Sunday. It was Tampa Bay’s ninth set of back-toback homers this season, tying a franchise record set in 2007 and tied in 2008.
Phillies: Philadelphia has blown 12 of its 22 save chances. That 45 percent success rate is the worst in the majors. The league average is 64 percent.
Braves: Brandon Phillips became the first Atlanta player to drive in winning runs with game-ending hits on consecutive days since Ozzie Virgil accomplished the feat on Sept. 18-19, 1988, against the Padres and Giants, respectively.
Orioles: Adam Jones and Trey Mancini each hit a triple in the fifth inning. It was Jones’ first triple since 2015 and the first of Mancini’s career. The Orioles had not hit two triples in an inning since Aug. 14, 2009.
Cubs: Since manager Joe Maddon moved Anthony Rizzo to the leadoff spot, the first baseman is hitting .409 with three home runs and two doubles in five games.