As the New York Yankees continue their quest for postseason glory, their journey has been marked with both promise and peril. The team currently holds a respectable 73-53 record, sitting just a half-game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the intensely competitive AL East. Despite having the third-best record in the league, recent weeks have not been kind to them.
Since July 1, the Yankees have faced turbulence, going 19-21. Meanwhile, the Orioles have had a similarly challenging stretch with a 21-22 record. The Yankees' bullpen, especially Clay Holmes, has been a focal point of this tumultuous period.
Clay Holmes: A Season of Highs and Lows
Clay Holmes leads MLB in blown saves, a distinction that underscores the inconsistency he's struggled with this season. His most recent mishap came during the much-anticipated Little League Classic against the Cleveland Guardians. Holmes faltered, leading to a dramatic 9-5 loss in 12 innings. Notably, this was his tenth blown save of the season, the highest for a Yankee since Dave Righetti's 13 in 1987.
While these figures might paint a bleak picture, Holmes' stats reveal a deeper story. Sporting a 2.82 ERA and an impressive ground ball rate of 67.6% over 40 innings, he has shown the capability to dominate. This dichotomy of performance is a challenge the Yankees must navigate as they charge towards a potential playoff spot. Aaron 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.”
A Challenging April to July for Holmes
Holmes' struggle with consistency dates back to early April. He was hit with a blown save on April 3, set the tone for further challenges. On May 20, Holmes 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 moments have contributed to the Yankees' 3-7 record in games where Holmes has blown a save.
Adding to the bullpen’s complexity is Holmes’ matchups. He has faced more left-handed hitters than right-handed hitters, a strategic nuance Boone needs to consider. Boone remarked, “I will leave [save situations] open and try and put these guys in places where they match up really well.”
Spotlight on the Bullpen
Despite Holmes’ challenges, the Yankees' bullpen remains formidable, ranked in the top 10 for ERA and win probability added. Setup man Luke Weaver has emerged as the team’s most reliable reliever this season, providing a steady hand in high-leverage situations. Additionally, at the trade deadline, the Yankees acquired Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs. Yet, Leiter has found it difficult to settle in, allowing seven runs and 23 baserunners over 9 1/3 innings in pinstripes.
The Path Forward: Overtaking the Orioles
The Yankees are focused on overtaking the Orioles to solidify their playoff position. Boone and the team recognize that Holmes' ability to rebound could significantly influence their fate in the closing weeks of the season. With a powerful lineup and a generally strong bullpen, the Yankees have the pieces in place for a strong finish to the regular season. For Holmes, returning to the form that earned him recognition will be key, not just for personal redemption, but for the team’s success.
As the Yankees navigate the final stretch, the spotlight will not just be on the players but also the strategic decisions guiding them. The blend of experience, raw talent, and crucial new additions makes the remainder of the Yankees' season one of the most intriguing narratives in baseball today.