The New York Yankees: A Rollercoaster Season on the Brink
The New York Yankees are currently embroiled in a fierce battle within the AL East, holding a record of 73-53, just a half-game behind the Baltimore Orioles. Despite a commendable season overall, recent performance trends have cast a shadow over their playoff aspirations.
Since July 1, the Yankees' form has been less than stellar, going 19-21 over this period. By contrast, the Baltimore Orioles have also struggled somewhat, posting a 21-22 record. This allows the Yankees a glimmer of hope in overtaking them as the season winds down.
One of the most poignant stories emerging from this season revolves around Yankees closer, Clay Holmes. Leading MLB in blown saves, Holmes has encountered significant difficulties in sealing victories. His latest mishap came during the high-profile Little League Classic against the Cleveland Guardians, where the Yankees eventually succumbed to a 9-5 defeat in 12 innings. This marked Holmes' tenth blown save, the highest for a Yankee since Dave Righetti's 13 in 1987.
Despite his struggles in high-leverage situations, Holmes’ overall stats remain respectable. With a 2.82 ERA and an impressive ground ball rate of 67.6% across 40 innings, his underlying performance metrics indicate a pitcher capable of much better results. Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021, Holmes has shown the potential to be a vital cog in New York’s bullpen.
Manager Aaron Boone offered a balanced perspective on Holmes' challenges, stating, “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.”
Holmes' missteps have undoubtedly impacted the Yankees' season; the team is 3-7 in games where he has blown a save. Notably, he gave up a three-run lead against the Seattle Mariners on May 20 and a game-tying two-run homer to Masataka Yoshida on July 5. These moments have etched themselves into the narrative of an otherwise solid season.
The Yankees’ bullpen, despite its ups and downs, ranks in the top 10 for ERA and win probability added. Luke Weaver has emerged as a reliable setup man, offering Boone a degree of predictability in the late innings. In a bid to fortify their bullpen further, the Yankees acquired Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline. However, Leiter has faced his own struggles, allowing seven runs and 23 baserunners over 9 1/3 innings since donning the pinstripes.
As the Yankees aim to overtake the Orioles and solidify their playoff position, Holmes' ability to rebound will be instrumental. Boone emphasized a strategic approach, remarking, “I will leave [save situations] open and try and put these guys in places where they match up really well.” Such flexibility could be pivotal in the high-stakes games yet to come.
The Yankees' season, therefore, hangs in a delicate balance. Their record and position speak to a strong team, but individual performances and nuanced game situations will ultimately determine their fate. With Holmes' potential resurgence and the bullpen's collective efforts, New York could be poised for a thrilling conclusion to the regular season.