If anyone is lucky to be out just 6-8 weeks, it is Reds closer Aroldis Chapman after he was struck in the head by a line drive Wednesday night.
That is the prognosis for Chapman, MLB.com has reported. He will undergo surgery to repair a fracture above his left eye, but could work his way back by as early as the end of May. Asked if Chapman will pitch again this season, Dr. Timothy Kemchek replied, "absolutely."
Chapman is arguably the best and most dominant closer in baseball. He saved 38 games in 43 opportunities in each of the last two years with 234 strikeouts in 135 1/3 innings.
What befell Chapman has renewed calls for protection for pitchers on the mound.