TAMPA — Knowing MLB wasn’t going to suspend Aroldis Chapman for the entire 2016 season, the Yankees decided the gas-throwing closer would look good in pinstripes.
“He [was] going to be performing and playing for someone this year,’’ general manager Brian Cashman said of Chapman, who was acquired from the Reds in late December for a quartet of minor league players. “And we determined it would be here.’’
Exactly when Chapman gets to join Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller to form what many believe will be the best bullpen in baseball is up to MLB. Investigators have met with Chapman about his involvement in an alleged domestic abuse incident in October when he allegedly fired eight bullets in his Florida home.
“There is a process in play, and it will play out,’’ Cashman said of the suspension.
Chapman will throw a bullpen session Saturday at George M. Steinbrenner Field, and manager Joe Girardi is on a long list of Yankees players and staff members who want to see the 100-mph-plus fastball.
“I am glad I never faced a 105,’’ Girardi said.
Girardi has put an early emphasis on pitchers participating in bunting drills.
“We did it last year, and I will continue to stress it. Reggie Willits is here and is a great teacher of it. He will be here until minor league camp starts, so we figured to try and get a heavy dose early on,’’ Girardi said of the Yankees’ minor league outfield and baserunning coordinator.
Girardi referenced Chien-Ming Wang’s foot injury in 2008 when a failed sacrifice bunt led to a force at second in Houston. Wang suffered a fractured foot trying to score and was lost for the season in June with an 8-2 record.
Wang had won 38 games in the previous two seasons and was on the way to another stellar season when he was injured. He never was the same pitcher again, posting an 8-14 record in the next four seasons. He spent 2014 and 2015 out of the major leagues and is at the Royals’ camp this spring.
“We really don’t want [pitchers] on the bases if we can avoid it,’’ Girardi said.
James Kaprielian, the Yankees’ first-round pick last June, threw a bullpen session in front of Girardi at GMS Field, and the manager was impressed by the former UCLA right-hander.
“I was pleased,” Girardi said of Kaprielian, who appeared in five low-level minor league games last summer. “I thought he had good command of his fastball and the focus in spring training early on that fastball command.
“I thought he was not overwhelmed by his surroundings and was comfortable. That is always a concern of mine for kids in the first year of camp. He was talkative and good to see.’’
— Additional reporting by Joel Sherman