Chapman Breaks Strikeout Record for Relief Pitchers

WHO:

MLB.com - Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox closer

MLB.com - Denzer Guzman, Angels player

MLB.com - Hoyt Wilhelm, former record holder

MLB.com - Willson Contreras, Red Sox first baseman

MLB.com - Nate Eaton, Red Sox outfielder

MLB.com - Cade Cavalli, Nationals pitcher

MLB.com - Miles Mikolas, Nationals pitcher

MLB.com - Chad Tracy, Red Sox manager

Boston.com - Jake Bennett, Red Sox rookie

WHAT:

MLB.com - Chapman achieved his 1,364th career strikeout, breaking the all-time record for a reliever, previously held by Hoyt Wilhelm since 1972.

ESPN - Chapman's strikeout of Denzer Guzman was clocked at 98.6 mph.

Boston.com - Chapman secured his 384th career save in the game against the Angels.

Boston.com - The Red Sox celebrated Chapman's achievement by showing a video retrospective of his career in the clubhouse.

MLB.com - Chapman recorded his 378th save on May 18, passing Joe Nathan for 10th place on the all-time saves list.

ESPN - Chapman expressed satisfaction with his achievement, stating, "I feel very happy, very proud of what I've been able to accomplish."

Boston.com - The Red Sox celebrated Chapman's achievement by showing a video retrospective of his career to his younger teammates in the clubhouse.

MLB.com - Aroldis Chapman achieved career strikeout No. 1,364, breaking the all-time record for a reliever.

MLB.com - Chapman passed Hoyt Wilhelm for the record by striking out Denzer Guzman.

MLB.com - Chapman recorded his 17th save of the season in a 5-2 victory over the Angels.

MLB.com - Chapman has a total of 384 career saves.

MLB.com - Willson Contreras and Nate Eaton are appealing their multi-game suspensions.

MLB.com - Contreras and Cavalli received seven-game suspensions; Mikolas received five games; Eaton received three games.

WHERE:

MLB.com - The game took place in Anaheim.

MLB.com - The Red Sox played at Fenway Park prior to the game in Anaheim.

WHEN:

MLB.com - Chapman tied the previous record with strikeout No. 1,363 on a Sunday at Fenway Park against the Yankees.

MLB.com - The incident leading to suspensions occurred during a game at Fenway Park on a Tuesday.

WHY:

MLB.com - The suspensions were a result of a heated benches-clearing incident during a game.

HOW:

ESPN - Chapman has earned eight All-Star selections throughout his career.

ESPN - Chapman has earned American League Reliever of the Year honors in 2025 with a 1.17 ERA.

MLB.com - Chapman achieved his strikeout record through consistent hard work and training.

MLB.com - Chapman maintains his performance by engaging in various physical activities before games, including running and weightlifting.

In a historic moment for Major League Baseball, Chapman achieved his 1,364th career strikeout, breaking the all-time record for a reliever that had been held by Hoyt Wilhelm since 1972. This milestone strikeout, which was clocked at an impressive 98.6 mph against Denzer Guzman, also marked Chapman's 384th career save during the game against the Angels. To honor his remarkable achievement, the Red Sox celebrated by showcasing a video retrospective of Chapman's career in the clubhouse, highlighting his eight All-Star selections throughout his time in the league.