Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman has tested positive for COVID-19, manager Aaron Boone announced on Saturday. The left-hander is experiencing mild symptoms.
Boone said that Chapman will not be with the team “for the foreseeable future,” adding that Zack Britton would be a “natural guy” to install as the Yankees’ closer until Chapman returns.
Chapman, a six-time All-Star, will have to receive two negative tests over a 24-hour period before he can rejoin the Yankees.
The 32-year-old Chapman has recorded a 2.61 ERA with 91 saves for New York over the past three seasons after signing a five-year deal with the club following the 2016 campaign. The flamethrowing southpaw inked a new deal this past offseason that will keep him with the Yankees through 2022.
Chapman’s positive test comes after the Yankees placed DJ LeMahieu and Luis Cessa on the 10-day injured list Tuesday upon learning both had tested positive.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].