The New York Yankees: At the Crossroads of a Critical Season
The New York Yankees, as of the latest standings, hold a 73-53 record. Situated just half a game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the fiercely competitive AL East, the Yankees boast the third-best record in the league. However, since July 1, they have faced their share of challenges, going 19-21, while the Orioles have fared slightly better at 21-22.
One of the key storylines surrounding the Yankees' season has been the performance of their bullpen, particularly Clay Holmes, who leads MLB in blown saves. Holmes' latest stumble came during the Little League Classic against the Cleveland Guardians, where despite taking the game into extra innings, the Yankees eventually fell 9-5 in 12 innings. This marked Holmes' tenth blown save of the season, the most by a Yankee since Dave Righetti's 13 blown saves in 1987.
Holmes' Statistics: A Mixed Bag
Despite the high number of blown saves, Holmes holds a respectable 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 numerous critical moments this season. He blew a save on April 3, surrendered a three-run lead against the Seattle Mariners on May 20, and gave up a game-tying two-run homer to Masataka Yoshida on July 5. When Holmes has faltered, the Yankees have struggled, holding a 3-7 record in games where he has blown a save.
Manager Aaron Boone has remained optimistic about Holmes’ trajectory despite recent difficulties. “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. With a crucial stretch of games on the horizon, Holmes' ability to rebound could very well determine the Yankees' fate as the playoff race heats up.
The Bullpen and New Acquisitions
Overall, the Yankees' bullpen is ranked in the top 10 for both ERA and win probability added, indicative of its generally solid performance. Setup man Luke Weaver has emerged as New York’s most reliable reliever this season. In a significant move to bolster their bullpen, the Yankees acquired Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline. However, Leiter has had his own struggles, allowing seven runs and 23 baserunners over 9 1/3 innings in pinstripes.
Given these challenges, Boone has expressed 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,” he remarked, suggesting a strategic approach focused on maximizing the strengths of his relievers.
The Road Ahead
As the Yankees aim to overtake the Orioles and solidify their playoff position, every game takes on heightened significance. Despite the stumbles and setbacks, the team's overall performance has kept them within striking distance of the division lead. Whether it’s lingering in the hunt for the AL East crown or securing a playoff berth via the wild card, the Yankees' resilience will be tested in the closing weeks of the season.
The ability of key players, particularly in the bullpen, to find consistency will be critical. As Boone continues to manage his relief corps with an eye for favorable matchups, the decisions made in high-leverage situations will undoubtedly shape the outcome of the Yankees' season. Holmes' performance, in particular, remains a focal point. If he can bounce back and regain his early-season form, the Yankees have a strong chance to remain a formidable contender.