Dusty Baker will not use Aroldis Chapman for multi-inning work

In the latest instance of a Major League manager refusing to consider anything but by-the-book bullpen use, Reds manager Dusty Baker reiterated to the media that he will not use closer Aroldis Chapman for more than one inning:

Dusty Baker just said he will not use Aroldis Chapman in the 8th inning. Said the days of multi-inning closers are mostly over.

— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) June 14, 2013

Dusty on not using Chapman in the 8th: "If something happens to Chapman, then I'm stuck with the people everybody wants you stay away from."

— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) June 14, 2013

Baker’s worry over Chapman’s health is curious when juxtaposed with his use of Jonathan Broxton, who has been dealing with a sore elbow, yesterday. The Reds and Cubs were tied 5-5 entering the bottom of the 14th in Chicago. Rather than use Chapman, Baker brought in the less-than-100% Broxton, who ended up surrendering a walk-off single to Julio Borbon. Chapman never had an opportunity to pitch in the game.

Then, earlier today, the Reds official Twitter sent this out:

An ultrasound examination revealed swelling within the right elbow joint of Jonathan Broxton. He is day-to-day.

— Reds (@Reds) June 14, 2013

On this subject, Jonah Keri has a great column at Grantland, and he happened to be writing it while that 14th inning was in progress.

Red Sox southpaw David Price was lifted in the first inning of Saturday’s game against the Astros. While there was some initial concern that he might have trigged the elbow tendinitis that has been affecting him lately, manager Alex Cora was quick to clarify the situation as the result of “flu-like symptoms.”

…there with no energy and he gets hurt and the way he was throwing the ball. We were proactive. We took him out of the game, he'll get some treatment and we'll see what happens

— Jen McCaffrey (@jcmccaffrey) May 26, 2019

Price pitched just 2/3 of an inning, inducing a first-pitch fly out from Aledmys Díaz, striking out Alex Bregman, and allowing a single to Michael Brantley before making his departure from the mound. He was replaced by rookie right-hander Colten Brewer.

Barring further complications, Price will likely stay on track to make his next scheduled start during the Red Sox’ upcoming road trip. Entering Saturday’s match-up, the 33-year-old lefty carried a 2-2 record in seven starts with a 3.29 ERA, 2.2 BB/9, and 10.1 SO/9 across 41 innings in 2019.

Following Price’s removal, the Red Sox are still tied 0-0 with the Astros in the fifth.