Aroldis Chapman Takes Step Toward MLB History In Red Sox Win originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Aroldis Chapman notched an impressive milestone while sealing Sunday's Boston Red Sox victory.
Chapman pitched a perfect ninth inning to close a 5-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles in Chad Tracy's managerial debut. The 38-year-old recorded two strikeouts when retiring the side in order.
Following another dominant performance, Chapman now has 1,341 career strikeouts. He passed Rich "Goose" Gossage for second place on MLB's all-time leaderboard among relievers.
If he stays healthy, Chapman is well on pace to break the record this season. The left-hander is 23 strikeouts away from passing Hoyt Wilhelm.
The #RedSox get the first win for interim manager Chad Tracy and Aroldis Chapman moves to SECOND all-time for most strikeouts by a reliever 🔥 pic.twitter.com/zgzxkRCAsG
Chapman moved past Gossage in relief strikeouts despite working 979 1/3 fewer innings. Gossage retired with 1,502 career strikeouts, but he made 36 starts throughout his Hall of Fame career.
Chapman has struck out over 10 batters per nine innings in each of his 16 seasons. He's off to a slower start for his standards by only accumulating 10 strikeouts in 8 2/3 innings.
The eight-time All-Star has still maintained last season's dominant form, allowing one run in nine appearances. Chapman now possesses a pristine 1.14 ERA since joining the Red Sox last season.
Boston will attempt to give the star closer more save opportunities while trying to reverse a poor start to the 2026 season. Chapman could inch closer to Wilhelm's strikeout benchmark if he pitches during a three-game road series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
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