Aroldis Chapman Reflects on Reds Career Following Opening Day Save
Aroldis Chapman returned to Great American Ball Park on Thursday, March 26. He closed the game with an 11-pitch, 1-2-3 ninth inning.
The Red Sox beat Cincinnati, 3-0. The crowd was a sellout of 43,897 fans.
Memories in Cincinnati
Chapman said the city and its fans matter to him. He recalled earlier Opening Days and late-season crowds.
He remembers his first Opening Day in Cincinnati in 2011. That game featured Ramon Hernandez’s walk-off, a three-run homer that beat Milwaukee 7-6.
Chapman was part of Cincinnati’s last sustained playoff push. He recorded the final outs in the clinching win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Early career and milestones
He arrived in Cincinnati after signing a six-year, $30.25 million contract in January 2010. His fastball set the record for the fastest pitch in MLB history.
Chapman pitched on Opening Day for the Reds in 2012, 2013 and 2015. He recorded scoreless work in each of those appearances.
Great American Ball Park last hosted a playoff game in 2012, during the NLDS against San Francisco. Chapman also appeared at GABP with the Cubs in 2016 and the Pirates in 2024.
Recent form and achievements
He rejuvenated his career with Boston last season. He earned his first All-Star selection since 2021.
Chapman posted a career-low 1.17 ERA and a career-high 3.6 WAR last year. He is 16 seasons into a major league career.
After Thursday’s save, Chapman tied Jonathan Papelbon for 11th all-time with 368 saves. He continues to add to his career totals.
Record versus the Reds since leaving
- Appearances: 12
- Saves: 5
- Scoreless innings: 12
- Hits allowed: 3
- Walks: 4
- Strikeouts: 19
Perspective and focus
Aroldis Chapman reflected on his Reds career after recording the Opening Day save. He credited hard work and veteran guidance for his growth.
He said the Opening Day pageantry in Cincinnati remains unmatched. He also noted the special meaning of pitching there.
Series outlook
After an off day, the Reds will face another familiar opponent. Sonny Gray will make his Red Sox debut in Game 2.
Gray, 36, spent three seasons in Cincinnati and was an All-Star in 2019. He waived a no-trade clause to join Boston in November.
Brady Singer will start for the Reds. Singer went 14-12 with a 4.03 ERA last season. He led the staff with 32 starts and 169 2/3 innings.
Nick Lodolo begins the year on the injured list with a blister. The rotation will adjust as he recovers.
Chapman left Cincinnati as a cornerstone of the bullpen. He returned Thursday with the same focus that defined his earlier years.
