Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Sunday that Chapman (elbow) may not need to go on a rehab assignment before rejoining the Yankees, Justin Shackil of SiriusXM reports.
Chapman threw long toss Saturday with positive results, and a recent MLB.com report indicated that the team is hopeful he can return as soon as this week. The veteran closer last pitched Aug. 5, but he isn't likely to need much time to ramp back up given that he hasn't thrown more than one inning in an outing this season. His return should be a boon to a Yankees bullpen that has lost a ninth-inning lead multiple times during Chapman's absence.