As the MLB season approaches the final stretch, the New York Yankees find themselves in a tight race in the AL East. With a record of 73-53, the Yankees sit a mere half-game behind the Baltimore Orioles, positioning them for a potential leap to the top of the division. Despite holding the third-best record in the league, the Yankees have faced challenges, particularly in their bullpen where closer Clay Holmes’ performance has been a topic of scrutiny.
Since July 1, the Yankees have posted a 19-21 record, compared to the Orioles' 21-22 over the same period. A closer look at Holmes’ season reveals a mixed bag of dominance and inconsistency. Leading the MLB in blown saves, Holmes has had ten blown saves, the highest for a Yankee since Dave Righetti’s 13 in 1987. His most recent misstep came in the high-profile setting of the Little League Classic against the Cleveland Guardians, where the Yankees ultimately fell 9-5 in 12 innings.
Despite his struggles in closing out games, Holmes has maintained a respectable 2.82 ERA and boasts a ground ball rate of 67.6% across 40 innings. Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021, Holmes’ path has seen moments of brilliance and equally painful lapses, including a blown save on April 3, surrendering a three-run lead against the Seattle Mariners on May 20, and giving up a game-tying two-run homer to Masataka Yoshida on July 5.
The Yankees’ bullpen as a whole has been strong, ranking in the top 10 for ERA and win probability added. However, games where Holmes has blown a save have been particularly detrimental, as the team has gone 3-7 in those situations. The bullpen's overall solidity contrasts sharply with Holmes' individual struggles, raising questions about his role moving forward.
“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,” commented Yankees manager Aaron Boone. The skipper’s belief in Holmes' potential remains steadfast, reflecting an underlying confidence that the closer can regain his form.
Boone has also approached save situations with flexibility as he stated, “I will leave [save situations] open and try and put these guys in places where they match up really well.” This strategic fluidity may be essential as the Yankees navigate the crucial games ahead with the aim of overtaking the Orioles and solidifying their playoff position.
In addition to Holmes, setup man Luke Weaver has emerged as New York’s most reliable reliever this season, providing stability in high-pressure moments. Meanwhile, the Yankees acquired Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline to bolster their bullpen further. However, Leiter’s initial outings have been rocky, allowing seven runs and 23 baserunners over 9 1/3 innings in pinstripes.
For the Yankees, much hinges on the performance of their bullpen and, more specifically, Holmes' ability to rebound. The closer's success or failure in high-stakes situations could very well determine the Yankees' fate in the closing weeks of the season.
As the race for the AL East crown intensifies, the margin for error narrows. With a half-game separating them from the Orioles and the postseason picture coming into sharper focus, every pitch, at-bat, and managerial decision gains heightened significance. Holmes' story is one of adversity and resilience, and his journey reflects the broader narrative of a Yankees team that remains determined to fight until the final out.
In the unforgiving arena of October baseball, the Yankees will need all hands on deck—veterans and newcomers alike—to deliver when it matters most. Boone’s measured optimism and strategic acumen are pivotal as the Bronx Bombers strive to turn their late-season aspirations into postseason reality.