Chapman had to be taken off the field on a stretcher and the game was canceled.
The scene on field for Chapman #reds pic.twitter.com/DWYImxvEmR
— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) March 20, 2014
Here it is:
The Reds announced on Thursday that Chapman will undergo surgery to repair fractures around his nose and left eye while doctors insert a permanent metal plate inside his head. He will likely need 6-8 weeks of recovery time.
In addition to the damage to his face, the Cuban closer was diagnosed with a mild concussion. Given the amount of time he will miss and the fact that he might not be able to pitch in the Show immediately after his rehab is over, it seems unlikely that Chapman will be able to match the 38 saves he recorded last season.
Kremchek says recovery possible in 6-8 weeks but that doesn’t mean Chapman will be able to pitch right away. #Reds
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 20, 2014
So who will take over? Here are a few of the options:
Jonathan Broxton: Although the bulk of them came in three seasons, Broxton has racked up 111 saves during his 10 years in the big leagues. Although Broxton’s Opening Day status was in doubt because of surgery to repair a torn flexor mass tendon he had last August, it sounds like he’s on track to start the season in the bullpen. Broxton will turn 30 in June so his age won’t hold him back from the closer’s role, but the right-hander’s diminishing effectiveness certainly might.
J.J. Hoover: Last year Hoover was 5-5 with three saves and 13 holds. The right-hander had a 2.86 ERA and averaged a hair more than one strikeout-per-inning. There was a stretch last season when Hoover did not allow a run over the course of 26 and 1/3 innings and 23 appearances, so he certainly seems like a strong option to get a shot at the closer’s job. He’s also relatively young (26) so the Reds may want to give him some experience in the role in case Chapman’s health keeps him out longer.
Sean Marshall: After recording nine saves in 2012, Marshall had zero in 2013 (although he did have the lowest ERA of his career at 1.74). He did rack up 253 Ks over the course of 212 and 2/3 innings during the last four seasons, so the Reds should feel pretty confident about his ability to strike people out. His health is another matter. Although Marshall did throw 30 pitches without discomfort on Monday, a sore left shoulder has bothered him for much of spring training and he will likely begin the season on the disabled list.
All the best to Chapman in real life, but for owners who are looking to replace him in fantasy, it seems Hoover is the preferred option until the Reds formally announce something.
Evan Bleier is a freelance writer based out of wherever he can plug in his laptop. You can send him questions, comments and Buffalo wing suggestions @itishowitis or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook
Photo Credit: Getty
