"If everything happens today (and it's okay) and the coach says it's okay, he'll be my closer tomorrow."
Girardi was not too worried about Chapman's performance problems, both recent and long-term.
Since returning for the first time on the injured list in June, Chapman is 9-12 in opportunities to save with a 4.09 ERA in that lapse. He allowed five runs in 3 1/3 in his last three appearances, including a failed save and a loss to the Red Sox on Sunday night. It is the first time he has allowed at least one run in three straight games since June 2012 with Cincinnati.
"I have a lot of confidence in him," Girardi said. "It's too good not to get back on track. He's going through a little slump and we'll do it right. "
With Chapman out on Wednesday and Dellin Betances who pitched in three straight days, David Robertson will be the option to be the closer. Robertson has a 1.32 ERA in 13 2/3 innings pitched since joining the Yankees last June. The Yankees are well-entrenched in the bullpen if Chapman's absence becomes a long-term problem. Betances currently has a streak of 10 innings without allowing career.
Girardi also expects CC Sabathia to start Saturday against the Red Sox and if the next outing in Masahiro Tanaka's bullpen is going well, he will be aiming to pitch to the Tigers in the start of the series on Tuesday.
Sabathia, out of inflammation in the knee, made his last exit on August 8. Girardi said he would watch Sabathia's tally count but that there would be no restrictions. The last exit of Tanaka was after that and has left with pain in the shoulder.