Girardi: Chapman will be our closer

The New York Yankees won't ease Aroldis Chapman back into the closer role.

From the moment he steps into the bullpen on Monday, marking the end of his MLB-issued suspension, manager Joe Girardi expects him to hit the ground running.

"I trust that he's ready," Girardi told the New York Post's Dan Martin. "It could depend on what's available on Monday. My plan is to use him in the ninth inning."

Chapman hasn't thrown against big league hitters since Spring Training, and he's been limited to low-caliber minor leaguers. He'll replace Andrew Miller, who has been one of the majors' best relievers this season.

Miller hasn't given up a run this year, striking out 20 batters over 11 2/3 innings while surrendering just one walk. Despite his near-perfect numbers, he has no problem ceding the closer role to Chapman.

"There's 25 guys in here all the time, and the best 25 guys is what we want," Miller said. "He's been in I don't know how many All-Star Games, he's one of the best pitchers in baseball - you absolutely want him.

"We need all the pieces we can get."

Miller will likely close at times over the course of the season, depending on whether Chapman is available or not. When Girardi was asked whether he's worried about if his fireballer is ready, he said "pitching is pitching," regardless of who it's against.

"Throwing strikes is throwing strikes. A hundred miles an hour is a hundred miles an hour," Girardi said. "Might he be a little excited on Opening Day for him? Yeah. I think you look at May 9 as just like Opening Day for everybody else."