BOSTON — Another meager performance by Aroldis Chapman late Friday did not cost the Yankees a win — they were already on their way to a loss. But it did cost him the closer’s job.
Manager Joe Girardi — after a night’s sleep that was probably restless, given the 9-6 loss to the Boston Red Sox that Chapman cemented by giving up two late runs — said on Saturday that he was turning save situations over to David Robertson and Dellin Betances until further notice.
The decision was based on Chapman’s poor form of late — he has allowed seven runs in his past four appearances — but it was still stunning to see the Yankees demote a player they signed last December to a five-year, $86 million contract.