Red Sox’s Alex Cora Provides Update On Aroldis Chapman After Injury Scare

Boston Red Sox fans can exhale following another encouraging update from Alex Cora on Aroldis Chapman.

The All-Star reliever exited Sunday’s 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers with back tightness. Chapman walked two of his three batters faced before Cora pulled him for Jordan Hicks, who recorded a five-out save.

Chapman downplayed the issue, telling reporters after the game that he expected to avoid a trip to the injured list. Cora confirmed Monday that the 37-year-old shouldn’t miss any significant time.

Courtesy of the Boston Globe’s Tim Healey, Cora said Chapman could return on Tuesday or Wednesday. He’s unavailable for Monday’s game against the Minnesota Twins, which likely would have been the case regardless since he’s worked each of the last two days.

Chapman wasn’t on top of his game Sunday, snapping a streak of 13 appearances with at least one strikeout. It also marked the first time he’s issued two free passes in an outing all season.

He’s thrown his fastball at an average velocity of 98.6 mph this season, but the radar gun peaked at 95.8 in his 11 pitches.

The Red Sox will hope Chapman returns healthy and pitches at the restored form he’s displayed all season. The left-hander has authored a 1.30 ERA and 0.83 WHIP with 18 saves in 20 opportunities.

A prolonged absence may have altered Boston’s deadline plans, but upgrading the bullpen probably won’t be the organization’s top priority if Chapman is fine. Red Sox relievers have posted a 3.30 ERA this season entering Monday’s game at Minnesota.