The New York Yankees are currently holding a noteworthy record of 73-53, positioning them just a half-game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the fiercely competitive AL East. Despite several ups and downs, they maintain the third-best record in the league.
Nevertheless, since July 1, the Yankees have faced a tumultuous period, going 19-21. In comparison, the Orioles haven't fared much better, with a 21-22 record over the same span. These records underscore the tight race in the division, where every game can significantly impact standings.
One area that has drawn considerable attention is the performance of Clay Holmes. Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021, Holmes has had a mixed season. Leading MLB in blown saves, he has faced scrutiny for his late-game performances. The latest incident occurred during the Little League Classic against the Cleveland Guardians, where Holmes's blown save led to a 9-5 loss in 12 innings.
Holmes' record of ten blown saves is the highest for a Yankee since Dave Righetti's 13 in 1987. Despite his setbacks, Holmes has some impressive stats: a 2.82 ERA and a remarkable ground ball rate of 67.6% across 40 innings. The pitcher has also faced more left-handed hitters than right-handed hitters this season.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone has publicly supported Holmes, recognizing both his challenges and his potential. “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 has indicated a flexible approach to handling save situations. “I will leave [save situations] open and try and put these guys in places where they match up really well,” he remarked, highlighting a strategy based on matchups rather than fixed roles.
The Yankees' bullpen, on the whole, has performed well, ranking in the top 10 for ERA and win probability added. Setup man Luke Weaver has emerged as New York’s most reliable reliever this season, showcasing the depth and potential within the bullpen despite challenges.
In response to their needs, the Yankees acquired Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline. Leiter has been less consistent in pinstripes, allowing seven runs and 23 baserunners over 9 1/3 innings. His performance will be crucial as the Yankees aim to overtake the Orioles and solidify their playoff position.
The Yankees' success in the coming weeks could hinge on Holmes' ability to rebound from his recent struggles. With a mixed record of 3-7 in games where Holmes has blown a save, the pressure is on both him and the bullpen to secure crucial wins.
In a season defined by close margins and high stakes, the Yankees are navigating their path with a blend of strategic adjustments and unwavering confidence in their players’ abilities. As the race for the playoffs intensifies, the resilience and adaptability of the team could make all the difference.