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Aroldis Chapman eager to help Pirates elbow their way into playoff race in whatever role they need

While with the Texas Rangers last season, relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman throws during the American League Championship Series against Houston. The Pittsburgh Pirates have bolstered the back end of their bullpen by adding the hard-throwing Chapman. Associated Press File Photo

PITTSBURGH — Aroldis Chapman isn't in Pittsburgh to take David Bednar's job.

The seven-time All-Star closer is happy to fill whatever bullpen role a team finally ready to win sooner rather than later needs, even if that means serving in a set-up role to Bednar, himself a two-time All-Star.

“We haven’t discussed it yet but it’s just something I’m pretty easy going about,” Chapman said via a translator after his $10.5 million, one-year contract was announced Wednesday. "There’s just no issue for me. I’m flexible and I know that there’s a closer here and a very good one at that.”

The 35-year-old, who turns 36 at the end of February, was one of the best relievers during his prime with Cincinnati and the New York Yankees. He evolved into more of an eighth-inning role over the last three seasons while pitching for the Yankees, Kansas City and the Texas Rangers.

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