The proper response to Aroldis Chapman pitching a baseball is "WOW," followed by several minutes of stunned awe.
Aroldis Chapman makes 2014 debut, touches 101 mph for the save
Chapman is back less than two months after being hit in the head by a line drive.
Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE
Typically, that response is a result of seeing him throw a baseball faster than anyone ever has. His velocity was on display again on Sunday, but the most amazing thing about his first save of the 2014 season is that it came less than two months after he was struck in the head by a line drive.
You’ve probably seen the pictures of his stapled-together head. If you haven’t already, maybe don’t click that link. It’s pretty gruesome, which is what makes his return to the mound even more impressive than usual.
Chapman backed up a strong start from Homer Bailey -- 7⅓ innings, six strikeouts, and just one run allowed. Todd Frazier hit a moonshot in the fourth inning, and Skip Schumaker drove in two to help the Reds move to 17-19 on the season.
With Chapman back on the roster, Jonathan Broxton will return to the eight inning in a set-up role, and the Reds' bullpen will be back to full strength for the first time this season.
See More:
