MLB

Yankees’ plan for Aroldis Chapman after another good day

Aroldis Chapman is slowly making progress. The Yankees closer, on the disabled list with left shoulder inflammation dating to May 14, played catch for the second straight day and reported no issues of any kind.

“No pain, no discomfort at all,” Chapman said through an interpreter. “Strength-wise, I feel good.”

Chapman made 50 throws at 60 feet, a day after throwing 25 times from 60 feet. He is planning to play catch again Monday before taking a day off Tuesday. He will travel with the Yankees to Baltimore and Toronto on the upcoming road trip.

“He still [has] a ways to go,” manager Joe Girardi said. “We have to build him up more before we get him [to throw] off a mound.”

While Chapman has been out, Dellin Betances has replaced him as closer, and converted all five of his save opportunities. The Yankees have gone 8-6 without him.

“Mentally, I feel great. I’m anxious to come back, but at the same time I don’t want to rush myself,” Chapman said. “I know it takes time to get back on the field. I want to keep doing the exercises and the strengthening workouts I’m doing, and make sure I’m ready to go once they tell me I’m ready to go.”


Struggling third baseman Chase Headley was given his second straight day off, but he will be back in the lineup Monday against the Orioles in Baltimore, according to Girardi. The Yankees manager emphasized it wasn’t a benching.

“He felt he was a little off. [He wanted] just to work on some things, so when he gets in the box he feels more comfortable,” Girardi said.

Headley is in the midst of a massive slump. He has just six hits in his last 57 at-bats with 21 strikeouts, no walks and just three extra-base hits. In Friday’s loss to the Athletics, he was removed for pinch-hitter Gary Sanchez as the potential tying run at the plate.


Sanchez snapped a 1-for-16 skid with two hits, including an RBI double.


The Yankees won a challenge on a safe call that was overturned at second base in the top of the second inning. They are now 11-of-14 in replay challenges this year.


The Yankees have won seven of their eight home series this season and are 17-8 in the Bronx, which is the second-best home record in the league behind the Astros (20-10).


The Yankees have held opponents to just three hits in 40 at-bats with runners in scoring position over their last seven games.