Boston Red Sox reliever Aroldis Chapman took the mound against the Atlanta Braves in the bottom of the ninth inning with the score tied at 2-2 at Truist Park on Friday night. Chapman pitched excellently, recording two strikeouts and forcing the game into extra innings, but fellow reliever Tyler Samaniego then allowed the walk-off run, giving Boston the loss in the series opener.
Although Chapman displayed skill during his single inning, it was his hat that drew the most attention. A photo of Chapman from Friday night went viral on social media, showing his new military-themed hat with the US flag upside down as he warmed up in the bullpen before pitching in the ninth inning.
Fans immediately noticed the unusual feature worn by the Cuban-born American baseball player and expressed confusion.
“These days I don’t know if it’s a statement or if it’s just a fu***p by Fanatics,” one fan commented.
“Do you guys think he like. got out a seam ripper and flipped the flag patch and sewed it back on in the locker room why are we acting like it’s a statement,” another fan commented.
“You guys are acting like he was the one who embroidered the patch on the hat lmao. The clubbies put the hat in his locker, and he just put it on, I doubt he even saw the patch,” another fan commented.
“Was wondering if I was the only one that noticed that?” another fan wrote.
Always liked this guy. good shit Aroldis,” another fan wrote.
Aroldis Chapman’s Relief Pitching Has Been Fairly Decent for the Struggling Red Sox
This season, Chapman has appeared in 15 games, pitching a total of 14.2 innings. He now has a 0-1 record with nine saves, a 0.7 WAR, a 0.61 ERA, a 0.82 WHIP, and 21 strikeouts.
Last season, Chapman recorded 32 saves over 67 games in his first year with the Red Sox. His current projections suggest he could surpass his previous mark.
After sweeping the Tigers in Detroit, the Red Sox suffered consecutive series losses during their six-game homestand against the Rays and Phillies. They now risk another series defeat, as the Braves won Game 1 at home on Friday night and currently appear in good form.
Boston will try to tie the series on Saturday. The Red Sox are struggling, sitting last in the AL East with an 18-26 record, eight games below .500, and 11.5 games behind the division-leading Rays.
Also read:
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in baseball, tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
