Chicago Cubs: How should Chapman be handled?

There has been a lot of talk about the Chicago Cubs’ closer Aroldis Chapman and how Joe Maddon uses him throughout these playoffs. Are the Cubs overworking him?

Shortly after joining the Chicago Cubs near the end of July, Aroldis Chapman was called upon in the 8th inning of a 1-0 game against the Mariners. Chapman was unable to preserve the lead. As a result, Chapman mentioned how he doesn’t like pitching in the 8th inning and would rather come in to start an inning. Joe Maddon said he was not aware that Chapman only wanted to pitch in clean innings. It seems like things got off on the wrong foot for the Cubs and Chapman.

Maddon did not use Chapman in the eighth inning the rest of the season. Consequently, he wasn’t afraid to use him multiple days in a row, though. Chapman blew a save again in mid-August. You can tell that something was wrong with Chapman. His velocity was below 100 mph on almost every pitch and he was even shaking his arm a few times. He wasn’t hurt. The Cubs used him four times in five games, which led to some fatigue.

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It was smooth sailing for the Cubs in September and Chapman never really ran into any issues. The Cubs used Chapman in all four game of the NLDS. The Cubs called upon Chapman to get a six-out save in Game 3, but it didn’t work. Cubs fans immediately thought that Maddon needs to only pitch him for the 9th inning. Maddon admitted he was reluctant to use him but thought it was the best option at that time. Chapman came back in Game 4 and struck out the side in dominating fashion to secure the Cubs second straight trip to the NLCS.

Cubs fans immediately thought that Maddon needs to only pitch him for the 9th inning. Maddon admitted he was reluctant to use him but thought it was the best option at that time. Chapman came back in Game 4 and struck out the side in dominating fashion to secure the Cubs second straight trip to the NLCS.

As the NLCS starts Saturday, the question becomes: When should the Cubs use Chapman? Chapman pitched one of his best games as a Cub in Game 4. Only one fastball failed to reach 100 mph. Chapman brought his A game. If I were Joe Maddon, I would likely only use my closer in the ninth inning.

Next: Cubs and Dodgers to meet in NLCS

The Cubs have plenty of late-inning bullpen options in Hector Rondon, Pedro Strop and Carl Edwards to bridge that gap to Chapman. Of course, if it’s Game 7 and you have a lead in the 8th and you’re setup guy is struggling, I would likely turn to Chapman too. But, only in rare occasions would I use him early than the ninth.