The New York Yankees had a specific reason as to why they did not put relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman on their playoff roster.
The New York Yankees secured a first-round bye by way of having the second-best record in the American League. They learned who their opponents in the Division Series would be on Saturday, and they are the Cleveland Guardians, who swept the Tampa Bay Rays in two games.
For the Yankees, their biggest question mark is the bullpen. However, they will be short one pitcher, as they were left off the roster completely. That pitcher’s name is Aroldis Chapman.
There is a specific reason as to why Chapman will not be with the team for their series against the Guardians.
Why Aroldis Chapman was left off playoff roster, explained
On Sunday, Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed the reason why Chapman was left off the roster is because he skipped a mandatory workout on Friday. Boone also revealed that Chapman was currently in Miami, away from the team.
“He was scheduled to be here Friday as part of our workout with the live [batting practice]. Was not, and not what I thought was an acceptable excuse. So I’ve had him stay away for now,” said Boone.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman also spoke about the decision to keep Chapman off the team’s playoff roster.
“You’ve got to be all in at this time of year, and it’s disappointing,” Cashman said. “He effectively made that type of decision. He was due to pitch a live [batting practice], obviously to get his work in as he was competing for his spot on the roster, as well as facing our hitters to give them that type of competition as we navigate the off-days of between the Wild Card Series and our Division Series about to start Tuesday. Again I can’t give any information on that, it’s just disappointing.
“We’re going to have what we have here and give people who are competing and dying to be on this roster, fighting to be on this roster and want to be on this roster. Even though those decisions haven’t been made yet, again, he chose to be absent.”
Cashman also told the media on Sunday that he has fined Chapman for skipping the mandatory workout.
Chapman has struggled this season, as he recorded a 4.46 ERA, a 1.43 WHIP, 43 strikeouts and 28 walks over 36.1 innings (43 games). He is scheduled to be a free agent once New York’s season reaches its end.
The Yankees have yet to reveal their playoff roster. Game 1 takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at Yankee Stadium.