The New York Yankees find themselves in a tight battle in the American League East, currently holding a record of 73-53. They sit just a half-game behind the Baltimore Orioles, with a strong foothold as they chase down one of the top playoff positions. While the Yankees boast the third-best record in the league, their performance since July 1 tells a different, more nuanced story.
Recent Form and Standings
Since the start of July, the Yankees have compiled a 19-21 record, a performance that could raise red flags as they approach the talons of postseason play. Interestingly, their closest rivals, the Orioles, have fared similarly, going 21-22 over the same period, which speaks volumes about the competitive nature of the division. In this razor-thin margin, every game counts, and every mistake carries more weight. This applies particularly to the bullpen, which has seen its fair share of drama.
Clay Holmes’ Rollercoaster Season
Clay Holmes, one of the critical relief pitchers for the Yankees, has been a figure of both reliance and disappointment this season. Holmes leads the MLB in blown saves, a dubious accolade, with his most recent mishap occurring during the Little League Classic against the Cleveland Guardians. The Yankees, consequently, fell 9-5 in a grueling 12 innings. Holmes has experienced ten blown saves this season, the highest for a Yankee since Dave Righetti’s 13 blown saves in 1987.
Despite these struggles, it isn’t all doom and gloom for Holmes. He maintains a respectable 2.82 ERA and holds an impressive ground ball rate of 67.6% across 40 innings. Holmes, acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021, has shown flashes of brilliance but has experienced notable pitfalls. For instance, he was charged with a blown save on April 3 and surrendered a three-run lead against the Seattle Mariners on May 20. He also allowed a game-tying two-run homer to Masataka Yoshida on July 5. Overall, the Yankees possess a 3-7 record in games where Holmes has blown a save.
Managerial Trust and Strategy
Manager Aaron Boone remains optimistic about Holmes’ ability to regain form. As 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.” This vote of confidence is crucial as Boone navigates the closing weeks of the regular season.
Boone has also hinted at flexibility in leveraging his bullpen talent. “I will leave [save situations] open and try and put these guys in places where they match up really well,” Boone remarked. This could mean we see more strategic matchups rather than sticking rigidly to predefined roles, providing an opportunity for other relievers to step up.
Strengths and Challenges in the Bullpen
Despite Holmes’ struggles, the Yankees bullpen remains formidable. Ranked in the top 10 for ERA and win probability added, the relief core offers more than just a single storyline. Setup man Luke Weaver has emerged as New York’s most reliable reliever this season, a welcome surprise and a vital piece of the bullpen puzzle. Weaver’s consistency provides Boone with a dependable option in high-leverage situations.
Yet, the trade deadline acquisition of Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs has not panned out as hoped. Leiter has allowed seven runs and 23 baserunners over just 9 1/3 innings in pinstripes, adding to the inconsistency woes that Boone and the coaching staff must address.
The Road Ahead
As the season progresses, the Yankees will aim to overtake the Orioles and solidify their playoff position. Central to this endeavor will be Clay Holmes, who must find a way to rebound and reclaim his past effectiveness. His ability to deliver under pressure could very well determine the Yankees' fate, adding layers of intrigue to an already captivating end to the regular season.
With a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, the Yankees have the ingredients for success. However, the margins are thin, and every game offers an opportunity for either glory or setback. The remaining games will not only test their skill but also their resolve, as they strive to write a triumphant chapter in their storied history.