Chapman Scheduled to Make Home Debut on Friday

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Cuban left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman is scheduled to make his debut at Louisville Slugger Field on Friday, April 16 when the Bats take on the Columbus Clippers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. Gates will open at 6:00 and first pitch is scheduled for 7:05.

Chapman made his American professional baseball debut on Sunday afternoon (4/11) at Toledo and did not disappoint. The Bats downed the Mud Hens 2-1 and in 4.2 innings of work, Chapman allowed five hits and one unearned run, while striking out nine. He threw 85 pitches, 55 for strikes, and it was reported that five of his pitches reached 100-plus on the radar gun. Both ESPN and the MLB Network provided their viewers with in-game updates of his debut performance.

The Reds signed Chapman to a six-year, $30.25 million contract on January 11. Generating plenty of buzz heading into Spring Training, the 22-year-old posted a 1.69 ERA in five games in Goodyear, Arizona. In 12.2 innings, he walked seven and struck out 15.

Tickets for Friday night's game are going fast but are still available at the Louisville Slugger Field box office. Tickets range from $7-$11. The first 1,500 children (12-under) through the gates on Friday will receive a Buddy Bat Bobblehead courtesy of Kosair Children's Hospital.

BUY TICKETS NOW! - Friday, April 16 at 7:05 PM (Indianapolis at Louisville)