TAMPA, Fla. — Aroldis Chapman said Saturday he will throw batting practice for the first time Monday with the New York Yankees.

The new closer threw the 62 fastest pitches in the big leagues last season, according to Major League Baseball’s new Statcast computer system. Chapman’s fastest pitches ranged from 102.36 mph to 103.92 mph.

In his third mound session for his new team Friday, Chapman threw 35 pitches.

Following the acquisition of Chapman from Cincinnati in December, Andrew Miller is moving from closer to a setup role alongside Dellin Betances.

Chapman is under investigation by MLB under the sport’s new domestic violence policy for an incident at his house in Florida in October involving his girlfriend. Chapman is alleged to have fired a gun during the incident.

Prosecutors declined to file charges. Chapman has said he would appeal any suspension to baseball’s arbitrator.

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n Masahiro Tanaka, who had a procedure in October to remove a bone spur on his throwing elbow, threw long toss and made 15 throws at 60 feet on level ground.

TWINS: Hall of Famer Rod Carew reached his goal of attending the team’s first full day of spring training, five months after a massive heart attack.

Carew, 70, wears a battery pack and says he hopes to have a new heart in four months.

During the workout, Carew spent time in the batting cages, talking to some of the players before he walked onto the field at Hammond Stadium. When he got there, he was greeted by recently retired outfielder Torii Hunter, and the pair hung out behind the cage.

INDIANS: Outfielder Abraham Almonte accepted responsibility for the failed drug test that got him suspended for 80 games, but said he doesn’t understand how the substance got into his body.

Almonte, 24, said he was surprised to hear the news from Major League Baseball. He said it was difficult to address the suspension in front of his teammates and hopes it won’t be a distraction for them.

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Manager Terry Francona said that he and the front office have discussed the situation at length with the outfielder.

RANGERS: Outfielder Drew Stubbs rejoined the team after finalizing a minor league deal.

The Rangers also agreed to terms on one-year contracts with 17 players, including leadoff-hitting center fielder Delino DeShields, second baseman Rougned Odor and reliever Keone Kela.

Stubbs finished last season with Texas after being released by Colorado.

DIAMONDBACKS: Arizona signed infielder/outfielder Rickie Weeks to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.

Weeks, 33, spent his first 11 big league seasons in Milwaukee as a second baseman before playing outfield with Seattle last season.

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Weeks struggled at the plate with the Mariners, hitting .167 in 37 games before being designated for assignment in June.

PADRES: James Shields insists he’s OK with being passed over for the opening-day start.

“I’ve been in this situation before,” Shields said. “I think in 2011, David Price (in Tampa Bay) took my opening-day start after three years. And I got it right back the next year.”

Shields believes new manager Andy Green is key to creating a better atmosphere. Shields had high praise even after Green announced on the first day of spring training that Tyson Ross would start the April 4 opener against the Dodgers.


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