TAMPA, Fla. — Aroldis Chapman says he will throw batting practice for the first time with the New York Yankees on Monday.
The new closer threw the 62 fastest pitches in the big leagues last season, according to Major League Baseball’s new Statcast computer system. Chapman’s fastest pitches ranged from 103.92 mph to 102.36 mph.
In his third mound session for his new team Friday, Chapman threw 35 pitches.
Following the acquisition of Chapman from Cincinnati in December, Andrew Miller is moving from closer to a setup role alongside Dellin Betances.
Chapman is under investigation by MLB under the sport’s new domestic violence policy for an incident at his house in Florida in October involving his girlfriend. Chapman is alleged to have fired a gun during the incident.
Prosecutors declined to file charges. Chapman has said he would appeal any suspension to baseball’s arbitrator.
TANAKA TIME
Masahiro Tanaka, who had a procedure in October to remove a bone spur on his throwing elbow, threw long toss and made 15 throws at 60 feet on level ground.
Tanaka is expected to have his fifth mound session Sunday and could soon throw batting practice.
The right-hander will also pitch in a simulated game before making his first spring training start.
THE GARDNER
Left fielder Bret Gardner hit in an indoor cage as he works his way back from a lingering wrist injury.
Gardner bruised his left wrist running into the wall in last year’s AL wild-card game against Houston.
Gardner has no doubts that he’ll be ready for opening day and that hopes to take on-field batting practice during the upcoming week.
Manager Joe Girardi is leaning towards having Jacoby Ellsbury and Gardner again at the top of the lineup.
"We know those two guys are important because of what they create," Girardi said. "You don’t necessarily have to hit home runs to score runs with those two guys."
NOTES
Minor league RHP Domingo German underwent an MRI exam on his throwing elbow that showed a strain in a flexor muscle and a bone bruise. He will have a contrast MRI Monday. German cut short a bullpen session Friday due to elbow discomfort.
