Chapman lights fuse in 3rd straight appearance

Aroldis Chapman may have seen his workload increase as of late, but he was still able to bring the heat Tuesday night.

Despite pitching in his third straight game, Chapman hit 103 mph on his fastball and threw a perfect ninth inning to pick up his 24th save of the season and close out the Yankees’ 8-5 win over the Braves. It was the first time all season Chapman has appeared in three straight games.

The hard-throwing lefty was thrust into action due to a depleted Yankees bullpen as a result of Aaron Boone using five relievers, including Chapman, in the Bombers’ extra-inning loss on Monday. Boone said the Yankees were without Chad Green and Jonathan Holder Tuesday, and were trying to stay away from Dellin Betances and David Robertson as well.

Despite Chapman having thrown a combined 34 pitches in his previous two outings, Boone said he felt good about turning to his All-Star closer.

“We felt good about it going into the game,” Boone said, “just trying to get it to the ninth and we felt like he was definitely in play for us.”

Boone said the fact Chapman came to him prior to the game and said he was good to go had an impact on his decision to send him out there.

“A little bit, because we’re always cautious about obviously with three days in a row. So a lot depends on how they feel that day,” Boone said. “If it’s something we’re considering, absolutely the player is going to have a big say in it. If it’s not right, then we’ll stay away from him.”

Boone’s faith in Chapman was certainly rewarded, as Chapman easily shut down the heart of the Braves lineup, striking out Freddie Freeman on a 102-mph fastball and Nick Markakis on a low slider, before getting Kurt Suzuki to fly out to right field.

With Boone having limited options to turn to, A.J. Cole and Chasen Shreve also made the most out of their opportunities.

Cole, making his first appearance since being activated off the disabled list, threw 1.2 scoreless innings with four strikeouts. And the inconsistent Shreve, who heard a smattering of boos upon entering the game with two men on and only one out, retired both batters he faced to close out the eighth inning before turning the ball over to Chapman in the ninth.