The New York Yankees are navigating a season of highs and lows, with their record standing at 73-53, just a half-game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the competitive AL East. While the team boasts the third-best record in the league, recent performance has been inconsistent, posting a 19-21 record since July 1. In comparison, the Orioles have fared only slightly better, going 21-22 in the same period.
One of the standout stories for the Yankees this season has been the performance of closer Clay Holmes. Leading Major League Baseball in blown saves, Holmes has been both a source of reliability and frustration for the team. His latest blown save came during the high-profile Little League Classic against the Cleveland Guardians, a game the Yankees eventually lost 9-5 in 12 innings. This marked Holmes' tenth blown save of the season, the highest for a Yankee since Dave Righetti's 13 in 1987.
Despite these struggles, Holmes' overall numbers tell a different story. He has a respectable 2.82 ERA and an impressive ground ball rate of 67.6% over 40 innings pitched. Holmes, who was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021, has faced more left-handed hitters than right-handed hitters, a notable detail that could be influencing his performance.
Setup man Luke Weaver has emerged as New York’s most reliable reliever this season, taking some pressure off Holmes. Additionally, the Yankees acquired Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline to bolster their bullpen. However, Leiter's performance has been underwhelming, allowing seven runs and 23 baserunners over 9 1/3 innings in pinstripes.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone has shown confidence in Holmes despite his recent struggles. “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. This vote of confidence reflects Boone's broader strategy for managing his bullpen. “I will leave [save situations] open and try and put these guys in places where they match up really well,” he added.
The Yankees' bullpen, ranked in the top 10 for ERA and win probability added, remains one of the team's strengths. However, Holmes' ability to rebound from his recent hiccups could be pivotal in determining the Yankees' fate in the closing weeks of the season. The team holds a 3-7 record in games where Holmes has blown a save, underlining the importance of his role in securing victories. With the Yankees aiming to overtake the Orioles and solidify their playoff position, every game counts.
As the Yankees push towards the postseason, the spotlight will inevitably shine on Holmes. His performance, alongside contributions from Weaver and the rest of the bullpen, could very well determine how far the Yankees go in their quest for glory. The hope within the organization and among fans is that Holmes can turn his fortunes around and become the dependable closer the team needs.
The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but the Yankees have shown resilience throughout the season. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, the team is poised to make a significant push. As the standings tighten and the postseason looms, all eyes will be on the Yankees' bullpen and whether it can rise to the occasion.