Aroldis Chapman is putting together one of the most dominant relief seasons in Red Sox history, and he’s just five scoreless innings away from breaking a franchise record that’s stood for nearly two decades.
The 37-year-old closer’s 1.00 ERA has him closing in on Jonathan Papelbon’s team record of 0.92 ERA for a relief pitcher, set back in 2006. What makes Chapman’s run even more remarkable? He’s gone 46 straight batters without giving up a hit.
DraftKings’ Jordan Moore broke down the math: “If Aroldis Chapman (1.00 ERA) throws 5.0 more innings without giving up a run, he’ll have the lowest season ERA of any relief pitcher in Red Sox history.”
That’s where it gets interesting. Chapman’s schedule sets up perfectly for a record chase.
The Red Sox finish their series with Cleveland before facing Arizona and Oakland – teams that rank in the bottom half of most offensive categories. If there was ever a time to make history, this is it.
“Records are meant to be broke. I hope he breaks it and if @RedSox make playoffs I hope has a better postseason!” Papelbon posted.
Papelbon himself chimed in on social media, encouraging Chapman to break the record. That’s the kind of class you don’t always see when someone’s chasing your franchise mark.
Chapman’s been putting up video game numbers all season, but this hitless streak has taken things to another level entirely. At 37, he’s having arguably the best year of his career when most closers are winding down.
Breaking Papelbon’s record would cement Chapman as a Red Sox legend in just one season. And with at least another year left on his deal, there’s plenty of time to add to that legacy.
The way Chapman’s throwing right now, five scoreless innings feels more like a formality than a challenge.
