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.
