By JOSH DOUBOW, AP Sport Writer
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — New York Yankees reliever Aroldis Chapman will be placed on the injured list after getting an infection in his leg from a recent tattoo.
Aaron Boone, Chapman’s manager said prior to Saturday’s match against the Oakland Athletics that Chapman experienced irritation in Chapman’s leg on Thursday due to the tattoo he received earlier in the week. Seven-time All-Star Chapman stayed at the hotel on Friday to receive antibiotics and treatment.
“It’s still significant enough,” Boone said. “He got a pretty bad infection.”
Chapman has not pitched since Aug. 19, when he allowed just one run in three innings against Toronto. Boone reported that Chapman wasn’t available to pitch on Thursday because his left leg was bothering him shortly before the series’ opener against the A’s.
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Boone indicated that while he does not expect it to be a problem for the long-term, he must wait until a more accurate picture of Chapman’s time.
“Hopefully he’s good in several days,” Boone said. “We just have to get our arms around it. It got a little bit worse over the last few days.”
Boone stated that he was not against Chapman having a tattoo done during the season.
“It is difficult for me. I don’t have tattoos. That’s a personal choice,” Boone said. “This is more of an unfortunate situation that turned into an infection. My focus is on trying to get him right.”
After missing six weeks due to tendinitis, Chapman felt shaky in the beginning of this season. He was then replaced by Yankees’ closer. Since returning to the Yankees’ lineup in July, Chapman is now 2-1 and has a 5.40 ERA. He also boasts 20 strikeouts over 16 1/3 innings.
This veteran left-hander has a 2.70 ERA with nine saves and is currently in the second round of this season’s 36 games.
Because they could not get any West Coast players out by Saturday, the Yankees did not make an immediate roster change. Boone hopes to add another player within the next couple of days.
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