Red Sox Closer Aroldis Chapman Day-to-Day After Back Spasms

Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman experienced back spasms that forced him to leave Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but both he and manager Alex Cora expect him to return soon without needing a stint on the injured list. Chapman, who has had a strong season with 18 saves and a 1.30 ERA, played catch from about 100 feet on Tuesday as he progressed in his recovery and was confirmed available for the Red Sox's game against the Twins that night. Despite the back tightness affecting his velocity and control during the Dodgers game, Chapman remains optimistic about pitching again within a couple of days. The Red Sox continue to monitor his condition closely, and Chapman expressed determination to work through the discomfort while prioritizing long-term health. Meanwhile, Boston’s front office is also considering bolstering the pitching staff ahead of the MLB trade deadline to maintain bullpen strength. Overall, Chapman's quick recovery is positive news for the Red Sox as they look to preserve their bullpen depth during this critical stretch of the season.