The New York Yankees are once again proving why they are considered one of the most formidable teams in Major League Baseball. With a record of 73-53, they currently hold the third-best record in the league, sitting just a mere half-game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East. However, their journey toward securing a playoff spot has been anything but straightforward.
Since July 1, the Yankees have struggled to maintain consistency, posting a 19-21 record. This contrasts slightly with the Orioles, who have gone 21-22 over the same period. Despite the Yankees' stronger overall standing, these recent numbers suggest a team wrestling with pressure during the critical stages of the season.
Clay Holmes: The Double-Edged Sword
Among the central figures in the Yankees' roller-coaster journey is reliever Clay Holmes. Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021, Holmes has shown flashes of brilliance alongside moments of uncertainty. While holding a respectable 2.82 ERA and an impressive ground ball rate of 67.6% over 40 innings, his record for blown saves has raised eyebrows.
Holmes has led Major League Baseball in blown saves this season, already racking up ten. His latest came in the Little League Classic against the Cleveland Guardians, where the Yankees eventually fell 9-5 in 12 innings. This statistic is particularly jarring, as it marks the highest number of blown saves by a Yankee since Dave Righetti's 13 in 1987.
Analyzing his performance throughout the season, Holmes has faced more left-handed hitters than right-handed hitters. Regardless, he has struggled in high-stake situations, a factor that has significantly affected the team’s overall performance. When Holmes has blown a save, the Yankees have a concerning 3-7 record.
The Aaron Boone Perspective
Manager Aaron Boone has remained vocal about his belief in Holmes’ ability to bounce back. “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 commented, expressing confidence in Holmes despite his recent struggles.
Boone has also indicated a more flexible approach toward managing save situations. “I will leave [save situations] open and try and put these guys in places where they match up really well,” he remarked, suggesting a potential shake-up in the bullpen hierarchy as the season progresses.
Bulking Up The Bullpen
To bolster their pitching roster, the Yankees acquired Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline. However, Leiter’s performance has so far been underwhelming, allowing seven runs and 23 baserunners over just 9 1/3 innings in pinstripes. This has put additional pressure on the bullpen, where setup man Luke Weaver has emerged as New York’s most reliable reliever this season.
The Yankees’ bullpen overall, however, has performed commendably, ranking in the top 10 for ERA and win probability added. Yet, the particular vulnerabilities in save situations, specifically with Holmes, could spell trouble for the Yankees if not addressed promptly.
The Road Ahead
The Yankees aim to overtake the Orioles and solidify their playoff position. With the season winding down, every game increases in significance, and the margin for error narrows. Holmes' ability to rebound could very well determine how far the Yankees go in the closing weeks of the season. The team’s resilience, combined with strategic moves in both the bullpen and on the field, will be critical components as they strive to reclaim their dominance in the AL East.
If Holmes can stabilize his performance and if newly acquired players like Leiter can find their footing, the Yankees' journey could end on a high note, proving once again why they remain a powerhouse in Major League Baseball.