Aroldis Chapman Exits Game with Back Spasm, Optimism Remains High for Swift Return
BOSTON, MA — Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman expressed confidence in a quick recovery after exiting Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers due to a back spasm. Following the Red Sox’s narrow 4-3 victory, Chapman reassured fans, stating, “It’s just a spasm. It should be gone in a couple of days,” as translated by a team interpreter.
During the eighth inning, Chapman struggled with his velocity, throwing mid-90s fastballs instead of his customary high 90s to low 100s. After Shohei Ohtani’s flyout, Red Sox manager Alex Cora and a trainer checked on him, leading to the decision to replace him with Jordan Hicks, who successfully navigated a tricky situation, securing his second save of the season.
Cora indicated that both he and Chapman did not anticipate a stint on the injured list, describing Chapman’s condition as merely a “tight back.” The manager emphasized that the decision to pull Chapman was a precautionary measure to avoid potential exacerbation of the issue.
This season, the 37-year-old Chapman has been performing exceptionally, boasting 18 saves and a stellar 1.30 ERA—showcasing improved control with only 11 walks across 41 1/3 innings. In July, he celebrated his 350th career save and expressed aspirations of reaching the 400-save milestone.
The Red Sox are set to continue their campaign, with hopes that Chapman’s recovery will align with their upcoming games. As fans eagerly await further updates, the Red Sox community remains optimistic about Chapman’s swift return to the mound.
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