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Around the Empire
New York Post | George A. King III: Aroldis Chapman not only lost his closer role but underwent an MRI for his elbow discomfort on Sunday, though the results came up negative. He’ll still have to work through his issues and find a way to work through this mild pain, so it’ll be something to watch as the season wanes. If he continues to feel discomfort, it may make sense to give him the ten days to rest.
Newsday | Erik Boland: Suspensions are looming for the Yankees-Tigers fight, and it will probably hurt the team at the exact wrong time. Just as the Yankees will take on their rival Red Sox this weekend, they could lose both Gary Sanchez and Austin Romine, forcing Joe Girardi to go with Eddy Rodriguez.
CBS Sports | R.J. Anderson: Brian Cashman went to Japan to watch two-way phenom Shohei Otani, and he wasn’t the only one in attendance: the Dodgers’ Andrew Friedman and Orel Hershiser were also keeping an eye on the star. Because Otani is the best hitter and pitcher in Japan, and his signing bonus is restricted by the CBA, the Red Sox, Dodgers, and Yankees look to be major contenders in this sweepstakes.
NJ.com | Randy Miller: Miller takes a look at the seven Yankees decisions that led to their current playoff run, including: Aaron Judge making the Opening Day roster, the Matt Holliday signing, declining a Chris Sale-for-Gary Sanchez deal, keeping Luis Severino as a starter, opting not to trade Brett Gardner, not giving up on Aaron Hicks, and acquiring Ronald Torreyes. As the saying goes, sometimes the best deals are the ones you don’t make.