Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman becomes latest to test positive for COVID-19

Aroldis Chapman has tested positive for COVID-19.

New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman was going to be one of the most important players on one of the best teams during the truncated 2020 season, but the Cuban flamethrower’s 2020 debut might be delayed by a few weeks due to his health.

Chapman, per manager Aaron Boone, tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. While the diagnosis is obviously grim news, Boone did confirm that the Yankee closer is only experiencing minor symptoms.

Aroldis Chapman might miss the start of the 2020 season

Per the MLB’s coronavirus protocols, Chapman will be placed on a special coronavirus IR, and he will not be allowed to return until he tests negative twice. This could delay his return unto, August, or later.

Chapman, who was named the Mariano Rivera AL Reliever of the Year, still might be the single-most dominant relief pitcher in the game. His 2.21 ERA and 37 saves last year show that he is more than capable of being a dominant closer for a team with championship aspirations.

While the on-field impact is totally secondary, the Yankees will need to decide who handles the ninth if Chapman isn’t recovered in time for the season to start. Luckily, they aren’t exactly bereft of options, as Adam Ottavino, Zack Britton, and Tommy Kahnle will all likely be given cracks at the ninth-inning job, though Britton’s experience as an All-Star with the Baltimore Orioles might give him a leg up.

Chapman’s diagnosis raises quite a few questions, almost none of which have anything to do with who will replace him during the ninth inning. Considering he was in close contact with several Yankee players and used the same facilities, the potential of the infection spreading to other players has to be weighing heavily on the Yankees right now. We wish Chapman nothing but the best in his recovery, even if he will assuredly not be the only big-name player to contract the virus in the next few months.