Yankees Face Challenges as Season Winds Down
As the New York Yankees progress further into the season, their campaign is characterized by both hope and struggle. Holding a solid 73-53 record, they find themselves a mere half-game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the contest for the top spot in the AL East. Despite this close race, underlying issues cast a shadow on their seemingly robust standing.
One particularly pressing concern is the performance of their closer, Clay Holmes. Holmes, who was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021, has been a focal point of the Yankees' bullpen, but not always for positive reasons. With ten blown saves this season, he leads the MLB in this unfortunate statistic. To put this into perspective, this is the highest number of blown saves by a Yankee since Dave Righetti's 13 in 1987.
Holmes’ 2.82 ERA and 67.6% ground ball rate showcase his potential effectiveness, but he has faltered in critical moments. His struggles were on display during the recent Little League Classic, where his latest blown save contributed to a 9-5 defeat in 12 innings against the Cleveland Guardians. Overall, the Yankees have fared poorly in games where Holmes has blown saves, posting a 3-7 record in such instances.
Manager Aaron Boone continues to express confidence in Holmes’ abilities, despite the evident setbacks. “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 stated, underscoring his belief that Holmes can rebound from his current slump.
The Yankees' bullpen, however, is not without its strengths. It ranks in the top 10 for ERA and win probability added, metrics that indicate overall reliability. Luke Weaver has emerged as the most reliable reliever this season, providing the team with critical support when needed. Furthermore, the acquisition of Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline was intended to bolster the bullpen. Unfortunately, Leiter has encountered his share of difficulties, allowing seven runs and 23 baserunners over just 9 1/3 innings in his appearances for the Yankees.
The team's struggle since July 1 is another point of concern. The Yankees have logged a 19-21 record, a stretch that does not bode well for their playoff aspirations. Comparatively, the Orioles' performance has been slightly better at 21-22 during the same period, keeping the race for the AL East title extremely tight. These statistics highlight the pressing need for the Yankees to find consistency, especially as they aim to overtake the Orioles and secure a strong playoff position.
Boone has hinted at a strategic flexibility with his pitching choices moving forward. “I will leave [save situations] open and try and put these guys in places where they match up really well,” he remarked. This approach suggests a willingness to adapt and potentially shift roles among the bullpen to maximize effectiveness during the crucial final weeks of the season.
As each game passes, the Yankees' fate increasingly hinges on Holmes’ ability to perform under pressure. His previous struggles, such as surrendering a three-run lead against the Seattle Mariners on May 20 and a game-tying two-run homer to Masataka Yoshida on July 5, underscore the volatility inherent in relying on a single closer who has shown vulnerability in high-stakes moments.
The coming weeks will be pivotal for New York, as they strive to upend the Orioles and ensure a secure spot in the playoffs. Holmes' ability to rebound from his recent hiccups could very well be the deciding factor in the Yankees' push for postseason glory. For now, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching each move Boone makes, hoping that strategic adjustments and renewed confidence can lead the Yankees to triumph despite the hurdles they face.