Yankees in Tight Playoff Race, Clay Holmes Under Spotlight
The New York Yankees are in the midst of a fiercely competitive race in the AL East, currently holding a 73-53 record, placing them just a half-game behind the Baltimore Orioles. With the third-best record in the league, the Yankees are well-positioned for a playoff run, despite challenges that have emerged since July 1. During this period, they have gone 19-21, just slightly behind the Orioles’ 21-22 record, showcasing the razor-thin margin separating the top teams in the division.
Holmes' Roller Coaster Season
A significant storyline for the Yankees this season has been the performance of closer Clay Holmes. Leading the MLB in blown saves, Holmes' season has been a combination of standout moments and critical missteps. His latest blown save came during the Little League Classic against the Cleveland Guardians, a game the Yankees eventually lost 9-5 in 12 innings. Holmes has now accumulated ten blown saves, a figure not seen since Dave Righetti’s 13 blown saves in 1987.
Despite these setbacks, Holmes maintains a respectable ERA of 2.82 and an impressive ground ball rate of 67.6% over 40 innings. His underlying performance metrics signal potential for future success. Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021, Holmes has faced adversity throughout the season, including a blown save on April 3, surrendering a three-run lead against the Seattle Mariners on May 20, and allowing a game-tying two-run homer to Masataka Yoshida on July 5.
Managerial Support and Tactical Decisions
Yankees Manager Aaron Boone has voiced his confidence in Holmes' ability to rebound. “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 said. Recognizing Holmes' crucial role, Boone has been pragmatic about managing save situations. “I will leave [save situations] open and try and put these guys in places where they match up really well,” he remarked.
Holmes' struggles have had a tangible impact on the Yankees' season. The team holds a 3-7 record in games where Holmes has blown a save. Notably, Holmes has faced more left-handed hitters than right-handed hitters, which could inform Boone's future tactical decisions when deploying his bullpen.
Bullpen Dynamics and New Acquisitions
The Yankees' bullpen, despite its ups and downs, ranks in the top 10 for ERA and win probability added. Luke Weaver has emerged as the most reliable reliever for New York this season, providing a steady hand when needed. Additionally, the Yankees bolstered their bullpen by acquiring Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline. However, Leiter’s transition has been challenging, allowing seven runs and 23 baserunners over 9 1/3 innings in pinstripes.
The Road Ahead
As the Yankees aim to overtake the Orioles and solidify their playoff position, Holmes' ability to bounce back will be pivotal. His performance in the closing weeks of the season could very well determine the Yankees' fate. The team's collective effort, bolstered by strategic management and bullpen depth, will be essential as they navigate the final stretch. Holmes, with his blend of promise and peril, stands at the center of this high-stakes journey, embodying both the potential and challenges facing the Yankees this season.