On July 27, 2025, Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman experienced a back spasm during an intense late-inning appearance against the Los Angeles Dodgers, raising immediate concerns about his health. Although Chapman showed discomfort and was removed after just 11 pitches in the top of the eighth inning, the team reports that the injury is minor and he is expected to return soon.
Manager Alex Cora pulled Chapman after the 37-year-old All-Star’s fastball velocity dropped from his season average of nearly 99 mph to 95.8 mph. Chapman had struggled with control early in the inning, issuing walks to Miguel Rojas and Mookie Betts before inducing a fly out against Shohei Ohtani. After the appearance, Chapman was seen limping, prompting caution from the coaching staff.
Chapman Addresses Restrictions and Recovery Prospects
After the game, Chapman reassured reporters through team interpreter Manny Alou that his condition was a minor muscle spasm. He described it as
“just a little spasm that I felt yesterday,”
adding that he felt
“a little uncomfortable today, but nothing big.”
Despite his eagerness to remain on the mound, Chapman recognized the prudence in manager Alex Cora’s decision to remove him early.
Just a little spasm that I felt yesterday,
Chapman explained calmly.
And yeah, just felt a little uncomfortable today, but nothing big.
—Aroldis Chapman, Boston Red Sox closer
Regarding his return, Chapman expressed optimism about resuming play shortly.
I just hope that in the next couple days, I’ll be able to get back out there.
He also dismissed the likelihood of missing significant time, confidently stating,
Yeah, no, thankfully, I’m very healthy,
and reaffirmed that it was
Just a spasm that… should be gone in a couple of days.
Manager Alex Cora echoed this assessment, describing the injury as a “tight back” that “should be OK,” reflecting the organization’s cautious but hopeful stance on Chapman’s status.
Relief Efforts and Game Outcome in Chapman’s Absence
With Chapman sidelined during the crucial final innings, rookie right-hander Jordan Hicks took over the closer role and delivered 1.2 scoreless innings, allowing one walk and recording a strikeout to secure the Red Sox’s 4-3 victory over the Dodgers. Hicks’ ability to perform in relief provided a crucial safety net after Chapman’s exit.
The Red Sox had built their lead earlier with key offensive moments, including an RBI triple by rookie Roman Anthony and a two-run homer in the fifth inning off Alex Bregman. These plays set the stage for a tight finish that required reliable pitching in the late innings.
Chapman’s Value Highlights the Stakes of His Injury
Known as “the Cuban Missile,” Aroldis Chapman has been instrumental in the Boston bullpen this season, showcasing a remarkable resurgence. His 1.30 ERA and 0.82 WHIP place him among the league’s elite relievers, while his 61 strikeouts over 41.2 innings and stellar strikeout rate of 13.18 per nine innings underline his dominance.
Chapman’s recent performance, including striking out Mookie Betts to conclude the prior game’s win, emphasizes how vital he is to the Red Sox’s late-game success. Losing him even for a short stretch could undermine the bullpen’s effectiveness and jeopardize the team’s playoff ambitions.
The Red Sox Face a Fragile Playoff Pursuit Amid Injury Challenges
Chapman’s back issue compounds a larger problem confronting Boston’s roster: an alarming number of injuries affecting key players. The team’s extensive injured list includes top starters Tanner Houck and Patrick Sandoval, who are expected to miss the remainder of the season, as well as first baseman Triston Casas recovering from major knee surgery.
Additional bullpen depth has been severely reduced by the absences of setup men Liam Hendriks and Justin Slaten, both sidelined on the 60-day injured list. The recent placement of top prospect Marcelo Mayer on the IL further hollows out the lineup, leaving the team to rely heavily on a limited pool of healthy contributors.
This precarious situation forces less experienced pitchers such as Jordan Hicks into high-pressure roles. Hicks, known for his fastball exceeding 100 mph, has struggled with consistency, bearing a 5.98 ERA this season. This, in turn, amplifies the burden on middle relievers like Garrett Whitlock (3.10 ERA; 11.49 strikeouts per nine innings) and Justin Wilson (2.18 ERA), along with contributors Greg Weissert (3.02 ERA) and Brennan Bernardino (3.14 ERA), who must now navigate more challenging innings.
Playoff Hopes Stay Intact but Depend on Key Players’ Health
Currently holding a 56-50 record, the Red Sox remain in the American League Wild Card hunt but their margin for error has drastically narrowed. Chapman’s current injury serves as a stark reminder of the team’s vulnerability, exposing how thin their margin for sustaining a postseason push truly is.
The resilience of remaining healthy stars and the ability of the roster’s depth to absorb these injuries will be critical in determining whether Boston can maintain their playoff position. The Red Sox must navigate the remainder of the season with caution, hoping for no further setbacks while relying on a bullpen already stretched to its limits.