On bullpen roles, analytics, and Aroldis Chapman’s new usage plan

Earlier this week, Joel Sherman reported that the Yankees plan to use Aroldis Chapman in a slightly different role at times this season. Whereas Chapman has historically been used nearly exclusively in ninth inning save situations, Aaron Boone has indicated that, from time to time, he will use Chapman in the eighth inning of a close game rather than saving him for save situations or getting him work at the end of blowouts to keep his arm fresh. It likely won’t happen particularly often, but it’s certainly a welcome approach to ensuring Chapman remains dialed in throughout the season.

This change in usage is likely possible, at least in part, because of Zack Britton’s absence at the back of…