Yankees Strive to Overcome Late-Season Challenges
As of the latest standings, the New York Yankees hold a record of 73-53, placing them just a half-game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the fiercely competitive AL East. Despite having the third-best record in the league, the path to secure a playoff spot and potentially overtake the Orioles remains fraught with challenges, most notably in their bullpen.
Recent Performance
Since July 1, the Yankees have experienced a rough patch, posting a 19-21 record. Their closest rivals, the Orioles, haven't fared much better with a 21-22 record in the same span. This struggle reflects a broader concern within the Yankees' camp as they vie for the top spot in their division.
Clay Holmes, a key figure in the Yankees' bullpen, has been at the center of scrutiny this season. Leading the MLB in blown saves, Holmes' recent performance has raised eyebrows. During the Little League Classic against the Cleveland Guardians, Holmes surrendered a crucial lead, culminating in the Yankees' 9-5 loss in 12 innings. This marked Holmes' tenth blown save of the season, the highest for a Yankees pitcher since Dave Righetti's 13 in 1987.
Despite these setbacks, Holmes has maintained a 2.82 ERA with a ground ball rate of 67.6% across 40 innings, suggesting that his struggles are less about his overall ability and more about crucial moments. Manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence in Holmes, stating, “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.”
Struggles in Save Situations
Holmes' challenges are notable in specific game-turning moments. On April 3, he was hit with a blown save. He surrendered a three-run lead against the Seattle Mariners on May 20, and on July 5, he gave up a game-tying two-run homer to Masataka Yoshida. The Yankees have a 3-7 record in games where Holmes has blown a save, a statistic that underscores the team's struggles in close encounters.
Interestingly, Holmes has faced more left-handed hitters than right-handed hitters, a factor that may be contributing to his recent woes. Boone has indicated a strategic reassessment moving forward, remarking, “I will leave [save situations] open and try and put these guys in places where they match up really well.” This open-ended approach aims to maximize the effectiveness of the bullpen by better aligning matchups.
Support in the Bullpen
Amidst Holmes' struggles, the Yankees' bullpen itself remains a strong unit, ranking in the top 10 for ERA and win probability added. Luke Weaver has emerged as New York’s most reliable reliever this season, providing a crucial anchor for the bullpen. Additionally, the acquisition of Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline was intended to bolster the bullpen. However, Leiter has allowed seven runs and 23 baserunners over 9 1/3 innings in a Yankees uniform, highlighting the ongoing need for stability and reliability.
As the season approaches its decisive final weeks, the Yankees' ability to solidify their playoff position will depend significantly on Holmes' performance and the bullpen's overall resilience. The team aims to overtake the Orioles and assert their dominance in the AL East, a goal that is well within reach but requires mental and physical rigor.
Holmes' ability to rebound from his recent struggles could indeed determine the Yankees' fate. As Boone rightfully noted, the expectation remains for Holmes to succeed moving forward, an outcome that could crucially tip the scales in favor of the Yankees as they push towards the postseason.