The New York Yankees' Rollercoaster: Can Holmes and the Bullpen Steady the Ship?
As of the latest standings, the New York Yankees hold a commendable record of 73-53, positioning them just a half-game behind the Baltimore Orioles in a tightly contested AL East. Despite having the third-best record in the league, the Yankees’ journey since July 1 has been far from smooth sailing. A 19-21 run post-July highlights the team's recent inconsistencies, starkly juxtaposed with the Orioles’ 21-22 performance over the same period.
Issues in the Bullpen
One glaring concern for the Yankees has been the bullpen, particularly closer Clay Holmes. Leading MLB in blown saves, Holmes' latest mishap occurred during the Little League Classic against the Cleveland Guardians, where the Yankees ultimately fell 9-5 in a grueling 12-inning game. His tenth blown save of the season marks the highest for a Yankee since Dave Righetti's 13 in 1987.
Holmes' season stats paint a complex picture: a respectable 2.82 ERA and an impressive ground ball rate of 67.6% across 40 innings. However, his knack for surrendering crucial leads has been damaging, with memorable meltdowns including a three-run lead loss against the Seattle Mariners on May 20 and a game-tying two-run homer to Masataka Yoshida on July 5. In games where Holmes has blown a save, the Yankees have a disheartening 3-7 record, underscoring the high stakes of his performance.
Manager Aaron Boone remains cautiously optimistic about Holmes' future contributions. “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.
Boone’s Strategy and Bullpen Dynamics
Aware of the bullpen's volatility, Boone is keeping his options open. “I will leave [save situations] open and try and put these guys in places where they match up really well,” he remarked, signaling a willingness to adapt and experiment with different relievers in high-leverage situations. This strategic flexibility is reinforced by the emergence of setup man Luke Weaver, who has become New York’s most reliable reliever this season.
The Yankees' bullpen, despite its issues, still ranks in the top 10 for both ERA and win probability added—an indication of overall collective strength. Recent acquisition Mark Leiter Jr., who joined from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline, has had a rocky start in pinstripes, allowing seven runs and 23 baserunners over 9 1/3 innings. His performance will be crucial as the Yankees aim to bolster their bullpen depth.
Playoff Aspirations
With the Yankees aiming to overtake the Orioles and solidify their playoff position, Holmes' ability to rebound could be pivotal in determining the team's fate in the closing weeks of the season. The pressure is undeniably on, but Boone's tempered confidence in his closer may serve as a much-needed vote of confidence.
As the season races towards its climax, the Yankees' faithful will be hoping that the bullpen issues can be ironed out, and that Holmes, Weaver, and Leiter Jr. can find their best form. The stakes are high, and every game will count in what promises to be a thrilling finish in the AL East.