As the MLB season races toward its climax, the New York Yankees find themselves in a tight battle within the AL East. Holding a record of 73-53, the Yankees trail the Baltimore Orioles by a slender half-game margin. This close race is amplified by the Yankees' position as the team with the third-best record in the league. However, their journey since July 1st tells a tale of inconsistency, marked by a 19-21 stretch over the past several weeks.
The Orioles haven't fared much better, going 21-22 over the same period. Nevertheless, every game counts more than ever as both teams vie for the top spot and a secure playoff position. At the center of the Yankees' recent struggles is reliever Clay Holmes, whose performance has been a point of concern and interest throughout the season.
Holmes' Struggles in High-Stakes Moments
Holmes leads Major League Baseball in blown saves, a dubious distinction that has significantly impacted the Yankees' fortunes. The latest episode came during the high-profile Little League Classic against the Cleveland Guardians. Holmes' blown save in that game paved the way for a 9-5 loss in 12 innings. This marked Holmes' tenth blown save of the season, the highest number for a Yankee since Dave Righetti's 13 in 1987.
Despite his struggles in save situations, Holmes' overall stats paint a more balanced picture. He has a respectable 2.82 ERA and boasts a ground ball rate of 67.6% across 40 innings pitched. Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021, Holmes has shown flashes of brilliance but has been marred by critical lapses. For instance, on April 3, he was hit with a blown save, and on May 20, he surrendered a three-run lead against the Seattle Mariners. Adding to these woes, Holmes gave up a game-tying two-run homer to Masataka Yoshida on July 5.
Managerial Insights and Strategy Shifts
Manager Aaron Boone has had to navigate these turbulent performances with careful consideration. “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, signaling his hopeful outlook on Holmes' potential to rebound.
Boone has also suggested a flexible approach to the role of closer to address these challenges. “I will leave [save situations] open and try and put these guys in places where they match up really well,” Boone remarked. Such statements underscore Boone’s willingness to adapt and optimize his bullpen amid evolving circumstances.
The Bullpen's Wider Context
It's worth noting that the Yankees' bullpen as a whole has been formidable, ranking in the top 10 for both ERA and win probability added. Despite Holmes' inconsistencies, the setup men and other relievers have stepped up. Luke Weaver, for instance, has emerged as New York’s most reliable reliever this season, delivering consistently strong performances.
The trade deadline acquisition of Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs was another move aimed at bolstering the bullpen. However, Leiter has had a rocky start, allowing seven runs and 23 baserunners over 9 1/3 innings in Yankees pinstripes. These early struggles highlight the ongoing challenges Boone faces in finding the exact bullpen formula to close out tight games.
The Road Ahead
The Yankees' aim to overtake the Orioles and solidify their playoff position hinges significantly on their bullpen’s performance in the coming weeks. Holmes' ability to rebound from his recent struggles could be pivotal in determining the Yankees' fate. With each game carrying immense weight, the margin for error is slim.
In every high-stakes scenario, the hope is that Holmes can recapture his form and execute pitches in critical moments. Aaron Boone's adaptable strategy will be tested, but his faith in Holmes and the bullpen's collective strength offers a glimmer of hope for Yankees fans.
As the season hurtles towards its conclusion, the spotlight remains firmly on the Yankees bullpen, where both redemption and heartbreak lie in equal measure.