Yankees: Aroldis Chapman hits IL with a truly gross ‘injury’

The New York Yankees’ bullpen continues to get hammered with injuries, as Aroldis Chapman is now sidelined due to a gross injury.

It is well known that the New York Yankees have had a disastrous second half to the season. Even though they were entering their Aug. 27 game against the Oakland Athletics on a five-game winning streak, their bullpen has been hammered with injuries. Unfortunately, they have yet another reliever heading to the injured list.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed that Aroldis Chapman is heading to the 15-day injured list due to picking up an infection in his leg. He received the infection after getting a tattoo.

The Yankees officially announced the move (retroactive Aug. 24), describing the ailment as an “infected wound.”

Yankees: Aroldis Chapman picks up leg infection after getting tattoo

This is yet another trip to the injured list for Chapman, as he missed time due to left Achilles tendinitis. His absence allowed Clay Holmes to take over the closer role.

Chapman now joins Holmes, Scott Effross, and Albert Abreu on the 15-day injured list at the time of this writing. Holmes was placed on the IL due to back tightness. Effross suffered a shoulder strain. Abreu dealt with right elbow inflammation.

Then, there are the relievers who were ruled out for the entirety of the season. Michael King, one of New York’s most reliable options out of the bullpen, fractured his right elbow back in late July. Chad Green tore the UCL in his right elbow back in May and underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery.

This season, Chapman recorded a 4.70 ERA, a 1.43 WHIP, a 2-3 record, 35 strikeouts, and 22 walks over 30.2 innings (36 games). He successfully converted all nine of his save opportunities.

Even though Chapman is out, it appears that the Yankees will be getting Holmes back as soon as Aug. 29, with the hope that he can return to his pre-All-Star break form (1.31 ERA, 16 saves in 18 opportunities).