As the MLB season progresses, the New York Yankees find themselves in a tight race for dominance in the AL East. Currently holding a record of 73-53, the Yankees sit just half a game behind the Baltimore Orioles and have the third-best record in the league. However, the journey has not been without its challenges, particularly in the bullpen, where Clay Holmes has struggled with blown saves.
Yankees' Mid-Season Slump
Since July 1, the Yankees have gone 19-21, a slight dip compared to their earlier season performance. During the same period, the Orioles went 21-22, maintaining a slim advantage. Much of the Yankees' struggles can be traced to the inconsistencies in closing out games, which have been pivotal in tight contests.
Clay Holmes, acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021, has notably led MLB in blown saves this season. Holmes' latest setback occurred during the Little League Classic against the Cleveland Guardians, where he allowed the game to slip in a 9-5 extra innings loss. Holmes' tenth blown save is a mark not seen in the Yankees' bullpen since Dave Righetti's 13 in 1987. Despite these troubles, Holmes has managed a respectable 2.82 ERA and a ground ball rate of 67.6% over 40 innings this season.
Mixed Signals from the Bullpen
Intriguingly, the Yankees' bullpen as a whole has performed admirably in several metrics. They've managed to stay ranked in the top 10 for ERA and win probability added. Setup man Luke Weaver has emerged as the most reliable reliever, often delivering crucial outs that maintain the Yankees' competitive edge. Another mid-season acquisition, Mark Leiter Jr., hasn't yet found his rhythm, allowing seven runs and 23 baserunners over just 9 1/3 innings since joining from the Chicago Cubs.
Holmes has had a rollercoaster season, with blown saves dating back to April 3. On May 20, he surrendered a three-run lead against the Seattle Mariners, and on July 5, he gave up a game-tying two-run homer to Masataka Yoshida. These critical moments have contributed to the Yankees' 3-7 record in games where Holmes has faltered. Notably, Holmes has faced more left-handed hitters than right-handed ones, a statistic that may be influencing his performance on the mound.
Manager's Faith in Holmes
Yankees manager Aaron Boone remains cautiously optimistic about Holmes' ability to rebound. Boone commented, “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 is keeping his options open regarding save situations, aiming to utilize his bullpen in matchups that maximize their effectiveness. “I will leave [save situations] open and try and put these guys in places where they match up really well,” Boone remarked. This pragmatic approach underscores his commitment to steering the team through turbulent waters as they aim to overtake the Orioles and secure a solid playoff position.
Key Matches Ahead
The forthcoming weeks are critical for the Yankees. With only a half-game separating them from the Orioles, every game counts. Holmes' performance in the closing weeks will be particularly scrutinized as his ability to shut down games may very well determine the Yankees' postseason fate. Boone’s confidence and strategic flexibility will also be vital as he navigates his bullpen through the season’s final stretch. The addition of new relievers and the overall resilience of the bullpen will be crucial as the Yankees aim to solidify their standing and make a deep playoff run.
As the season approaches its climax, Yankees fans remain hopeful. With a strong lineup, capable bullpen, and strategic leadership, the stage is set for what promises to be a thrilling race to the finish line.