Aroldis Chapman earns 400th career save as Boston Red Sox sweep Baltimore Orioles
The 38-year-old left-hander became the ninth pitcher in baseball history to reach the milestone after striking out Christian Encarnacion-Strand to secure a 3-1 win at Camden Yards.
Milestone in Baltimore
Aroldis Chapman secured his 400th career save on Sunday afternoon, closing out a 3-1 Boston Red Sox victory over the Baltimore Orioles. The 38-year-old left-hander allowed a one-out single in the ninth inning before striking out Coby Mayo and Christian Encarnacion-Strand, finishing the contest with a 101 mph fastball. Chapman became the ninth pitcher in baseball history to reach 400 saves, sitting directly behind Billy Wagner, who compiled 422 saves. Earlier in the season, Chapman surpassed Hoyt Wilhelm to become the all-time strikeout leader among relief pitchers, bringing his career total to 1,396 strikeouts over 913 appearances.
Chapman reflected on the accomplishment after the game through an interpreter.
That was one of the personal goals I had for this year.
Decisive second inning and four-game sweep
Baltimore opened the scoring in the first inning on consecutive two-out doubles from Mayo and Encarnacion-Strand. Boston took the lead in the second inning after Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson failed to field a two-out ground ball, allowing Eli White to hit a three-run home run off starter Kyle Bradish (7-13). Red Sox starter Payton Tolle (9-6) threw six innings, striking out 12 batters while conceding four hits and no walks. Boston recorded only four hits and scored zero earned runs in the victory.
The result concluded a four-game series sweep for Boston. The Red Sox won 1-0 on Friday night with a save from Chapman, followed by a 5-0 shutout on Saturday behind seven scoreless innings from Sonny Gray, who earned his 17th victory of the year. White and Isiah Kiner-Falefa each drove in two runs during Saturday's shutout to build Boston's lead.
Career revival and Boston contract
Chapman recorded his first save in the majors in 2011 with the Cincinnati Reds and has compiled 10 seasons with at least 30 saves, including 33 in 2026. His trajectory shifted between 2022 and 2024, when he managed only 29 saves across stints with the New York Yankees, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers, and Pittsburgh Pirates. After joining Boston ahead of the 2025 campaign on a one-year, $10.75 million contract, Chapman shed 30 pounds, updated his workout routine, and reclaimed a full-time closing role.
Across 117 games in Boston, Chapman has recorded a 1.55 ERA, a 34.6% strikeout rate, and 65 saves. Following an extension worth $13.3 million for 2026, he unlocked a $12.7 million vesting option for 2027 by surpassing 40 innings pitched in August. Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy praised the veteran pitcher's preparation.
I'm blessed to be along for the ride. Now that I've got to know him and see his work ethic, it's pretty cool. Excellent.
- Records first career save with the Cincinnati Reds.
- Tallies 29 saves across three seasons with four different clubs.
- Signs one-year contract with Boston and earns the closer role.
- Surpasses 40 innings pitched to meet 2027 contract vesting conditions.
- Notches 400th career save in a 3-1 victory over Baltimore.
Wild-card standings and upcoming schedule
The victory moved Boston to 33-17 since the All-Star break, the best record in baseball over that span, strengthening their position in the second American League wild-card berth. Conversely, Baltimore dropped its sixth consecutive game, their longest losing stretch since an eight-game slide in May that led to the dismissal of manager Brandon Hyde.
Both teams play afternoon games on Monday. Boston returns home to host the Los Angeles Angels, sending Patrick Sandoval (1-4, 4.41 ERA) to the mound. Baltimore begins a three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians at Camden Yards, with Trevor Rogers (9-9, 4.30 ERA) scheduled to start.
