Chapman struck out two without allowing a baserunner across a scoreless ninth inning against the Reds on Wednesday.
Chapman entered the game in the ninth inning with a five-run lead, marking his first appearance since Saturday. He struggled to begin the season but has pitched well for significant stretches, most recently allowing two earned runs across 8.2 innings in June while posting a 13:4 K:BB. Chapman should see most of Pittsburgh's save chances while David Bednar (oblique) is sidelined.
Chapman gave up a run on a hit and a walk in the ninth inning Saturday to record his second save of the season in a 4-3 win over the Rays. He struck out one.
David Bednar is dealing with some tightness in his side and was unavailable, leaving ninth-inning duties to his 36-year-old set-up man. Chapman walked the first batter he faced before surrendering an RBI double to Yandy Diaz, but the southpaw got Isaac Paredes to ground out to end the threat. Chapman has been scored upon only twice in his last 10 appearances, posting a 1.86 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 13:7 K:BB through 9.2 innings over that stretch. Bednar's injury isn't considered serious, but Chapman should handle closing duties until he's ready to return.
Chapman hit one batter and struck out one across a scoreless seventh inning to record a hold Monday against the Reds.
Chapman tallied his team-leading 13th hold. His numbers remain inflated after a shaky start to the season, but he's managed to turn in eight scoreless efforts in his last nine appearances. Chapman has still walked six batters across 8.2 innings in that span, but he has otherwise been effective.
