Aroldis Chapman Closing for Texas Rangers, But For How Long?

Aroldis Chapman has moved into the closer role, but are the Texas Rangers set at the end of games?

The sight of Aroldis Chapman closing games for the Texas Rangers was welcome by fans, especially considering the recent struggles of Will Smith.

But frustrations remain.

Chapman appears to have taken over for Smith as closer. Chapman, 35, hasn't been a team's permanent last man standing since 2021 with the New York Yankees, a year he likely wishes to forget. 

But even if Texas has doubts that Chapman is the right man for the job, change was needed. Smith's blown save Monday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks added another loss during the Rangers' eight-game skid.

His 10.80 ERA in August is one of the  reasons the AL West has become a three-team race to the finish line. The Rangers, once in sole possession of first place for more than 100 consecutive days, are now looking up at the Seattle Mariners and tied with the Houston Astros. 

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy knows what it takes to win a title. He did it three times with the San Francisco Giants. 

For now, the closer role may be the key for Texas ending a six-year playoff drought. Smith had become predictable with his pitches, leading to three blown saves since July. 

Chapman, who began the season as Kansas City's setup man, hasn't been the model of consistency since being asked to close out games for Texas. He's 1-for-4 in save opportunities since arriving in June, including blowing another Sunday against the Minnesota Twins. 

Chapman gave up game-tying RBI single in the ninth inning, putting the runner in scoring position after a walk and balk. The Rangers eventually suffered a 7-6 loss in 13 innings at Target Field.

During the Rangers' current 1-9 stretch, the bullpen has allowed 30 earned run in those 10 games. That's not good. 

In looking for the positives, Chapman entered Sunday's series finale with a 0.82 ERA for the month of August. He struck out 20 batters in his previous 10 matchups, while only issuing seven hits and four walks.

Chapman did strike out three in his one inning of work Sunday, giving the big lefty 1,135 career punchouts in his career. That moved Chapman past Trevor Hoffman (1,133) on the all-time list for relievers and into a tie with Mariano Rivera for 11th in MLB history

The velocity is still there for Chapman. His sinker is averaging 101.3 mph. The fastball is at 99.2 mph. Chapman's also been locked in facing righties, holding them to a .143 batting average. 

Is that enough to calm the bullpen worries? For now, it has to be. Bochy could elect to go back to Smith if Chapman struggles to close out games. He also could play the hot hand each night and hope for the best.

Chapman hasn't been perfect, but he is the most established closer on the roster with 318 career saves. (Smith has 113.) For now, that might be enough to take hold of the job.

Keeping it is something else. 

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