As the MLB season progresses, the New York Yankees find themselves holding firm with a respectable 73-53 record. Yet, they are not without challenges as they trail the Baltimore Orioles by a mere half-game in the competitive AL East standings. Notably, the Yankees boast the third-best record in the league, a testament to their overall performance throughout the season.
However, since July 1, the Yankees have been struggling, posting a 19-21 record during this period. Comparatively, the Orioles have fared similarly, going 21-22 over the same stretch. One key area where the Yankees have encountered difficulties is in save situations, particularly with their closer, Clay Holmes.
Clay Holmes: A Rollercoaster Season
Holmes leads MLB in blown saves, with his latest misstep occurring during the Little League Classic against the Cleveland Guardians. In that game, the Yankees eventually fell 9-5 in 12 innings, marking Holmes' tenth blown save of the season. This unfortunate stat is the highest for a Yankees pitcher since Dave Righetti's 13 blown saves in 1987.
Despite his struggles, Holmes has some impressive metrics, such as a 2.82 ERA and a ground ball rate of 67.6% across 40 innings. Holmes was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021, and since donning the pinstripes, he has shown flashes of brilliance occasionally overshadowed by high-pressure miscues. For instance, Holmes surrendered a three-run lead against the Seattle Mariners on May 20 and gave up a game-tying two-run homer to Masataka Yoshida on July 5. The team has a 3-7 record in games where Holmes has blown a save, highlighting the critical impact of his performance on the Yankees' outcomes.
Manager Aaron Boone's Perspective
Yankees manager Aaron Boone remains optimistic about Holmes' future contributions. “He’s been unfortunate. He hasn’t made a pitch in a couple of spots where he could, but based on the way he’s thrown the ball the entirety of this year, really you would expect him to have success moving forward. That’s my expectation,” Boone commented. His confidence in Holmes suggests that the closer's role might remain fluid based on matchups. “I will leave [save situations] open and try and put these guys in places where they match up really well,” Boone remarked, indicating a flexible approach to the bullpen's configuration.
Yankees' Bullpen Dynamics
Beyond Holmes, the Yankees' bullpen is ranked in the top 10 for ERA and win probability added, a significant accomplishment that underscores the depth and talent available. Setup man Luke Weaver has emerged as the most reliable reliever this season, providing stability in high-leverage situations. Additionally, the Yankees acquired Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline. However, Leiter has struggled since his arrival, allowing seven runs and 23 baserunners over just 9 1/3 innings in pinstripes.
The Playoff Picture
Sitting just a half-game behind the division leaders, the Yankees are in pursuit of overtaking the Orioles to solidify their playoff position. The team's ability to succeed in the closing weeks of the season may hinge on Holmes' rebound from his recent woes. His performance could very well determine if the Yankees can capitalize on their current standings and make a deep playoff run.
As the season barrels toward its climax, the Yankees' focus will be on maintaining their competitive edge, managing their bullpen effectively, and securing crucial wins. Fans and analysts alike will keep a close watch on Holmes and the Yankees, eager to see if they can overcome these late-season hurdles and rise to the occasion.