Aroldis Chapman could be one step closer to making a Yankees return on the mound. Prior to Sunday evening's game against the Boston Red Sox, manager Aaron Boone indicated that the LHP may throw a bullpen as a coronavirus comeback progresses.

"He should -- he might be throwing a bullpen (Monday), so we'll see where he's at (Sunday)," Boone said. "He's doing great. I mean, everything's gone well. ... He's thrown back-to-back days and the hope's that he'll get back on the mound (Monday)."

The 32-year-old Chapman received clearance Friday for a return to the Yankees, ESPN's Marly Rivera reported. Any MLB player who tests positive for coronavirus must register two straight negative tests in order to come back.

Before Friday's news, Chapman's previous latest update came July 19 when he was reportedly set for his second coronavirus test. Chapman -- who felt asymptomatic at the time, according to Rivera -- had been hopeful of returning for the Yankees' Opening Day game against the Washington Nationals on July 23.

The Yankees announced July 11 that Chapman had tested positive for coronavirus. Boone described Chapman's symptoms as mild.

With the Yankees for the past three full seasons, Chapman has served as the team's closer. An All-Star selection for each of the past two seasons, Chapman went 3-2 with a 2.21 ERA over 57 innings through 60 games in 2019, making 37 saves.

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