As the regular season edges closer to its climax, the New York Yankees find themselves in a precarious yet hopeful position in the American League East. Currently boasting a commendable record of 73-53, the Yankees are just half a game behind the Baltimore Orioles, placing them in a tight and exhilarating race for divisional supremacy.
Despite holding the third-best record in the league, the journey has been far from smooth for the Yankees, who have displayed a mixed bag of performances since July 1. During this period, the team has posted a 19-21 record. This fluctuation in form starkly contrasts with the Orioles' 21-22 record over the same timeframe, underscoring the competitive nature of their battle for the division.
Holmes' Struggles in the Bullpen
Much of the Yankees' turmoil can be traced back to their bullpen, particularly Clay Holmes. Leading MLB in blown saves, Holmes' performance has been under intense scrutiny. His latest setback came during the Little League Classic against the Cleveland Guardians, where he conceded a critical save opportunity, contributing to the Yankees' eventual 9-5 defeat in 12 innings.
This marked Holmes' tenth blown save of the season, the highest by a Yankee since Dave Righetti's 13 blown saves in 1987. Yet, Holmes' numbers are intriguing. Despite his struggles, he sports a 2.82 ERA and an impressive ground ball rate of 67.6% over 40 innings. Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021, Holmes has faced more left-handed hitters than right-handed hitters, adding a layer of complexity to his performance metrics.
A Season of Highs and Lows
Holmes' season began with promise but has been marred by significant lapses. On April 3, he was charged with a blown save, and again on May 20, when he surrendered a three-run lead against the Seattle Mariners. His difficulties continued on July 5, allowing a game-tying two-run homer to Masataka Yoshida. The Yankees have endured a 3-7 record in games where Holmes has blown a save, evidencing the tangible impact of his struggles.
Despite these setbacks, Yankees manager Aaron Boone retains faith in Holmes. “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 further remarked on the bullpen strategy: “I will leave [save situations] open and try and put these guys in places where they match up really well.”
Support from the Bullpen
While Holmes navigates his challenges, other relievers have stepped up. Setup man Luke Weaver has emerged as New York’s most reliable reliever this season. Additionally, the Yankees made strategic moves at the trade deadline, acquiring Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs. However, his early performances in pinstripes have been rocky, allowing seven runs and 23 baserunners over 9 1/3 innings.
Overall, the Yankees bullpen remains a robust unit, ranked in the top 10 for ERA and win probability added. This solid bullpen performance will be crucial as the Yankees aim to overtake the Orioles and solidify their playoff position.
Looking Towards the Finish Line
As the Yankees push forward, Holmes' ability to rebound will be pivotal. His potential to regain form could very well determine the Yankees' fate in the closing weeks of the season. Facing fierce competition in the AL East, every game and every play counts.
The road ahead is challenging, but with a talented roster and strategic leadership, the Yankees are poised to navigate these treacherous waters. The balance between capitalizing on strengths and mitigating weaknesses will shape their journey towards the postseason.