As the baseball season progresses, the New York Yankees find themselves in a riveting race within the AL East. Sporting a record of 73-53, the Yankees trail the Baltimore Orioles by a tantalizing half-game, and despite their recent ups and downs, they maintain the third-best record in the league.
A Rocky Stretch
Since July 1, the Yankees have faced a series of challenges, reflected in their 19-21 record over this span. Interestingly, their closest rivals, the Baltimore Orioles, fare only marginally better, going 21-22 since the same date. However, the Yankees need more than just incremental improvements to overtake the Orioles and secure a stronger playoff position. The bullpen, traditionally a pillar of strength, has presented both highs and lows.
The Tale of Clay Holmes
Clay Holmes, the Yankees' pitcher acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021, has had a tumultuous season. Despite holding an ERA of 2.82 and an impressive ground ball rate of 67.6% across 40 innings, Holmes leads MLB in blown saves, with ten to date. This marks the highest number of blown saves by a Yankee since Dave Righetti's 13 in 1987. His latest falter came during the Little League Classic against the Cleveland Guardians, a game where the Yankees eventually lost 9-5 in 12 innings.
The Yankees' record in games marred by Holmes' blown saves stands at 3-7, a disheartening indicator of the significance of each lost save. Holmes has faced more left-handed hitters than right-handed hitters this season, which could be a contributing factor to his struggles. Despite these challenges, Yankees manager Aaron Boone remains optimistic. “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.
Strategic Moves and Reliever Dynamics
As the season's end draws nearer, Boone's strategy appears to be fluid, particularly in crucial save situations. “I will leave [save situations] open and try and put these guys in places where they match up really well,” Boone remarked, indicating a pragmatic approach to bullpen management.
In the meantime, setup man Luke Weaver has emerged as New York’s most reliable reliever this season, providing a steadying presence in high-stakes moments. The bullpen, ranked in the top 10 for ERA and win probability added, has shown overall resilience, even as individual performances vary.
New Faces and Adjustments
At the trade deadline, the Yankees made a notable acquisition by bringing in Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs. However, Leiter's transition to pinstripes has been far from smooth. In 9 1/3 innings, he has allowed seven runs and 23 baserunners, an adjustment period that has proven costly for the team.
Eyes on the Prize
The Yankees' ultimate goal remains clear: to overtake the Orioles and solidify their playoff positioning. The upcoming weeks will be pivotal, with Holmes' ability to rebound playing a critical role in determining the Yankees' fate. His journey, filled with highs and lows, encapsulates the broader narrative of a team striving to harness its collective talent at the right moment.
Boone’s direction, the bullpen’s tenacity, and strategic acquisitions underscore a season of dynamic challenges and opportunities for one of baseball’s most storied franchises. As the Yankees navigate these closing weeks, their fans, ever hopeful, will be watching keenly, ready to celebrate the triumphs and endure the trials that come with the pursuit of greatness.