As the New York Yankees eye the final stretch of the MLB season, their current standing at 73-53 places them just a half-game behind the AL East-leading Baltimore Orioles. Holding the third-best record in the league, the Yankees have their sights set firmly on overtaking their division rivals and securing a strong playoff position. However, the path to October is fraught with challenges, particularly in the bullpen, where closer Clay Holmes stands in the spotlight.
Holmes' season has been nothing short of a roller-coaster. Despite a respectable 2.82 ERA and an impressive 67.6% ground ball rate across 40 innings, Holmes has struggled significantly in save situations. Leading MLB in blown saves, Holmes has racked up ten heartbreakers this season, the highest for a Yankee since Dave Righetti’s 13 in 1987. One of the most poignant moments of his season came during the Little League Classic against the Cleveland Guardians, where his tenacity faltered, leading to a 9-5 loss in 12 innings.
Since being acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021, Holmes has faced adversity head-on. His challenges began early this season with a blown save on April 3, followed by 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. These moments have culminated in a 3-7 record for the Yankees in games where Holmes has blown a save, a statistic that underscores the critical impact of his performance on the team's outcomes.
Despite these setbacks, Yankees manager Aaron Boone remains optimistic about his closer's potential for redemption. “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, reflecting a confidence that Holmes can turn his fortunes around.
The Yankees’ bullpen as a whole has shown strength, ranking in the top 10 for both ERA and win probability added. Setup man Luke Weaver has emerged as one of New York’s most reliable relievers, providing much-needed stability. Additionally, the trade deadline acquisition of Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs was intended to bolster the bullpen further. However, Leiter's tenure in pinstripes has been rocky, yielding seven runs and 23 baserunners over 9 1/3 innings.
Boone's strategy moving forward may involve a more flexible use of his bullpen, looking to optimize matchups rather than strictly adhering to traditional save situations. “I will leave [save situations] open and try and put these guys in places where they match up really well,” remarked Boone, hinting at a possible shift in approach as the Yankees navigate the crucial final weeks of the season.
With both the Yankees and Orioles experiencing mid-season struggles—the Yankees going 19-21 and the Orioles 21-22 since July 1—the race for the AL East remains intensely competitive. The Yankees know that every game counts, and their ability to clinch the division may well hinge on Holmes' performance under pressure. Holmes' ability to rebound and deliver in high-stakes moments could very well determine whether the Yankees enter the playoffs as division champions or a wild card team.
As the Yankees push towards the postseason, the narrative of their bullpen, and particularly Holmes' resilience, will be closely scrutinized. If Holmes can overcome his recent hurdles, he could very well play a pivotal role in the Yankees' quest for another World Series title. For now, the team—and its fans—remain cautiously hopeful, eyes fixed on the horizon and the opportunities that await.