The New York Yankees' rollercoaster season continues, underscored by both their commendable achievements and ongoing challenges. With a record of 73-53, the Yankees hold the third-best mark in the league, trailing the AL East-leading Baltimore Orioles by a mere half-game. It's a testament to the competitive nature of the division and the Yankees' resilience in an unpredictable season.
Mid-Season Struggles
Since July 1, the Yankees' performance has been inconsistent. Their 19-21 record over this period has slightly fallen short, especially compared to the Orioles' 21-22 standing in the same timeframe. Despite these middling results, the Yankees remain a formidable force, backed by a bullpen that ranks in the top 10 for ERA and win probability added.
One of the more puzzling aspects of their season has been the performance of Clay Holmes. Leading the MLB in blown saves, Holmes has struggled to close out games, a crucial component for any team with postseason aspirations. His latest misstep occurred during the Little League Classic against the Cleveland Guardians, where the Yankees eventually succumbed 9-5 in 12 innings. This marked Holmes’ tenth blown save of the season, the most for a Yankee since Dave Righetti's 13 in 1987.
Holmes' Influence
Holmes' season has been a tale of two halves. While his ERA stands at a respectable 2.82 with an impressive ground ball rate of 67.6% over 40 innings, his inability to shut the door in late-game situations has been a glaring issue. Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021, Holmes gave the Yankees faithful hope with his initial performances. However, as the season has worn on, his struggles have become more pronounced.
Some of Holmes' notable blown saves this season include an April 3 collapse, a surrendered three-run lead against the Seattle Mariners on May 20, and a game-tying two-run homer allowed to Masataka Yoshida on July 5. The Yankees have fared poorly in these critical moments, holding a 3-7 record in games where Holmes has blown a save.
Facing more left-handed hitters than right-handed ones, Holmes' approach is under scrutiny. Yankees manager Aaron Boone remains optimistic about the reliever’s 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,” commented Boone.
Relief Options and Adjustments
As the Yankees aim to overtake the Orioles and solidify their playoff position, they must address their bullpen inconsistencies. Setup man Luke Weaver has emerged as the most reliable reliever this season, offering a glimmer of stability. Meanwhile, new acquisition Mark Leiter Jr., brought in from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline, has struggled to find his footing, allowing seven runs and 23 baserunners over 9 1/3 innings in pinstripes.
Boone remains open to adjusting his bullpen strategy. “I will leave [save situations] open and try and put these guys in places where they match up really well,” Boone remarked. This flexibility might be key as the Yankees navigate the final stretch of the season, where every game carries significant weight.
Ultimately, Holmes' ability to rebound and perform in high-leverage situations could be a decisive factor in the Yankees’ quest for October glory. The team's collective performance, including timely contributions from other bullpen members and a consistent offense, will determine their fate in the increasingly competitive AL East.
As the Yankees forge ahead, their mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents will be under the microscope. The front office and coaching staff will need to make crucial decisions to enhance their playoff prospects and aim for a deeper postseason run.