Around the Empire: Yankees news - 8/20/17

Around the Empire

MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: On Friday, Joe Girardi said that he had to sleep on his decision regarding Aroldis Chapman continuing to be the closer. On Saturday, after having that awful nightmare where you’re being chased and you can’t run at all for some reason (you know the one), Girardi made his decision. Chapman is no longer the closer. His replacement will be a mix between Dellin Betances and David Robertson, depending on need and match-ups. This bullpen is so good that committed roles are really not necessary. Needless to say, this has not been the most encouraging first year of this five year contract for Chapman.

Newsday | Erik Boland: GREG BIRD! Ahem. Greg Bird is continuing to hit well in the minors. Yesterday, Bird had another multi-hit game. That’s good. Girardi and friends have been monitoring his progress. He has not ruled out the possibility that the Greg Bird could return next week, perhaps even joining the Yankees in Detroit to face the Tigers. That decision will depend on the medical staff and the front office. It’s so nice to see what we’re seeing from Bird in the minors right now.

New York Daily News | Mike Mazzeo: There has been a lot of talk about moving Aaron Judge out of the No. 3 spot in the lineup until he regains his first half superpowers again. Joe Girardi said that he has no plans to do that, citing that he’s still dangerous and that he’s still getting on base well enough to warrant him hitting ahead of the hotter hitters.

MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: CC Sabathia came off the DL yesterday and pitched pretty well against the Red Sox. He’s pitched well against them all year. Yesterday, after striking out Chris Young in the bottom of the 2nd inning, Sabathia now has more strikeouts by a left-handed pitcher in AL history. Someone should take him on a trip to the Leftorium to celebrate. What an incredible career for CC. Praise be.

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