The New York Yankees are in a tight battle for dominance in the AL East, sporting a formidable record of 73-53. They sit just half a game behind the Baltimore Orioles, pinpointing the fine margins that define baseball's competitive edge. Despite boasting the third-best record in the league, the Yankees have had their fair share of struggles, especially in tight situations.
Since July 1, the Yankees have encountered a rough patch, going 19-21, while the Orioles posted a 21-22 record over the same stretch. These statistics reveal the challenges both teams have faced in maintaining consistency as the season's intensity ramps up.
The Yankees' bullpen performance is a notable aspect of their season narrative. Closer Clay Holmes has been a crucial yet controversial figure. Holmes leads Major League Baseball in blown saves, with ten blemishes on his record. This is the highest number for a Yankee since Dave Righetti's 13 in 1987. A seemingly reliable reliever with a commendable 2.82 ERA and an impressive ground ball rate of 67.6% across 40 innings, Holmes has nevertheless struggled in crucial moments.
Holmes' latest blown save occurred during the Little League Classic against the Cleveland Guardians, where the Yankees eventually fell 9-5 in a 12-inning marathon. The ramifications of these struggles are exemplified by the team's 3-7 record in games where he has blown a save. Aaron Boone, the Yankees' manager, remains optimistic about Holmes' abilities despite his 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 remarked, highlighting his confidence in Holmes' potential rebound.
Holmes' challenges this season are documented. He was tagged with a blown save on April 3 and faced a notable setback on May 20, surrendering a three-run lead to the Seattle Mariners. On July 5, Holmes allowed a game-tying two-run homer to Masataka Yoshida, adding to the litany of critical junctures where he faltered. This persistence in facing left-handed hitters more frequently than right-handed ones has raised questions about his role in high-stakes moments.
Despite these hurdles, the Yankees' bullpen remains one of the strengths of the squad, ranking in the top ten for ERA and win probability added. Setup man Luke Weaver has emerged as the most reliable reliever this season, providing some relief to the pressure cooker situations where Holmes has struggled.
The Yankees' strategical maneuvering came into sharp focus at the trade deadline, with the acquisition of Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs. Although Leiter has faced his share of early struggles, allowing seven runs and 23 baserunners over 9 1/3 innings in pinstripes, he is expected to bring depth and experience to the bullpen.
New York's aspirations to overtake the Orioles and secure a better playoff position are evident. The season's closing weeks amplify the importance of every game, and Holmes' performance could very well determine the Yankees' fate. "I will leave [save situations] open and try and put these guys in places where they match up really well," Boone stated, addressing potential changes in approaching late-game decisions.
As the season progresses, the Yankees find themselves in a familiar yet tenuous position. Their bullpen, despite the turbulence around Holmes, remains a linchpin. With Boone's strategic adjustments and potential improvements from Leibert and Holmes, New York aims to power through the remaining challenges, solidifying their place in the postseason and possibly rewriting the narrative of their season.