The New York Yankees keep winning ballgames, and their record is now at an incredible 26-9.
They are the only team in the single digits in the loss column: the closest squad are the Los Angeles Dodgers, with 12 defeats.
Part of the reason why the Yankees have been so good is because their players stick up for each other.
They recognize when someone is down and make sure to keep everybody’s spirits up.
MLB.com’s beat writer for the Yankees, Bryan Hoch, reported that closer Aroldis Chapman received the Yankees championship belt as the player of the game Tuesday night.
He kept things interesting, but ultimately got the job done.
He has been struggling as of late, with an elevated 1.46 WHIP for the season, spotty command, and having surrendered runs in each of his last three appearances.
Teammates Have Chapman’s Back
WFAN’s reporter Sweeny Murti pointed out to a cool team chemistry moment on Tuesday night.
“Serious team chemistry moment last night. Aaron Judge hit 2 HR and Michael King pitched 3 perfect innings. The teammates patted Chapman on the back, building confidence, recognizing he still got the last out with the tying and winning runs on base,” Murti wrote via Twitter.
Serious team chemistry moment last night. Aaron Judge hit 2 HR and Michael King pitched 3 perfect innings. The teammates patted Chapman on the back, building confidence, recognizing he still got the last out with the tying and winning runs on base. https://t.co/FxzLuQ9Pnp
— Sweeny Murti (@YankeesWFAN) May 18, 2022
The Yankees players have seen Chapman’s struggles from up close: he has been notable issues commanding his fastball since last season.
Giving him the championship belt even though he conceded a run and three hits in the night is a way of saying “we appreciate what you are doing, and we will support you through this.”
It’s a nice confidence boost, and a motivating factor for him to keep working through his struggles.
It may seem like a small detail, but it was quite a gesture.
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