As the New York Yankees navigate the crucial stretch of the Major League Baseball season, a juxtaposition in their performance underscores both their strengths and vulnerabilities. Holding a record of 73-53, the Yankees are only a half-game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the fiercely competitive AL East. Despite having the third-best record in the league, their recent performance raises some eyebrows.
A Tale of Two Halves
Since July 1, the Yankees have posted a 19-21 record, while their division rivals, the Orioles, fared slightly better with a 21-22 record. Yet, these records reflect minor differences in their standings and maintain the Yankees within striking distance of the Orioles. This marginal gap can make all the difference as both teams vie for postseason positioning. The Yankees have a standout bullpen ranked in the top 10 for both ERA and win probability added, indicating solid pitching depth.
The Clay Holmes Issue
Amidst these tight contests, closer Clay Holmes has found himself under the microscope. Leading the MLB in blown saves with ten, Holmes has struggled in high-pressure situations, potentially endangering the Yankees' season. His most recent setback occurred during the Little League Classic against the Cleveland Guardians, where his blown save contributed to a 9-5 defeat in an extra-innings marathon.
Holmes' ten blown saves mark the highest for a Yankee since Dave Righetti's 13 in 1987. Despite his challenges, Holmes holds a 2.82 ERA and boasts an impressive ground ball rate of 67.6% over 40 innings pitched. Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021, Holmes has showcased his potential but remains a focal point of concern.
Manager Aaron Boone remains optimistic about Holmes' future performance, 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.” Yet, Boone also conveyed a willingness to be flexible with save situations, “I will leave [save situations] open and try and put these guys in places where they match up really well.”
Pitching Depth and Reinforcements
The Yankees bullpen shines with contributors like setup man Luke Weaver, who has emerged as New York’s most reliable reliever this season. However, reinforcements like Mark Leiter Jr., acquired from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline, have not yet solidified their roles. Leiter has allowed seven runs and 23 baserunners over 9 1/3 innings in pinstripes, accentuating the bullpen's occasional struggles.
Key Performances and Crucial Games
Beyond Holmes, the Yankees have seen pivotal moments slip through their fingers. On April 3, a blown save marked the start of a challenging run, followed by Holmes 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. In games where Holmes has blown a save, the Yankees sit with a discouraging 3-7 record, highlighting the critical nature of his role.
Holmes has faced more left-handed hitters than right-handed hitters, a factor that may influence strategic decisions moving forward. As the Yankees aim to overtake the Orioles and solidify their playoff position, Holmes' ability to rebound could be a decisive factor in their quest for postseason glory.
With the pressure mounting as the regular season winds down, the spotlight remains firmly on the bullpen's dynamics. The Yankees' strategy will need to balance short-term adjustments with long-term visions of success. As the race tightens, every pitch, save, and managerial decision will be magnified, shaping the trajectory of the Yankees’ pursuit for excellence.