Yankees' Playoff Push Hinges on Bullpen's Performance
As the MLB season reaches its final and most critical stages, the New York Yankees find themselves only half a game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East standings. With a record of 73-53, the Yankees hold the third-best record in the league, underscoring the high stakes in the battle for playoff spots. Yet, recent struggles, particularly within the bullpen, have added layers of complexity to their aspirations.
Since July 1, the Yankees have encountered a mixed bag of results, posting a 19-21 record over that span. Their division rivals, the Orioles, have experienced a strikingly similar trajectory, going 21-22. The Yankees' closer, Clay Holmes, has been a focal point of these challenges. Holmes, who leads MLB in blown saves, recently recorded his tenth such mishap during the Little League Classic game against the Cleveland Guardians, a match the Yankees eventually lost 9-5 in 12 innings.
This marks the highest number of blown saves by a Yankee since Dave Righetti's 13 in 1987. Despite this unwanted record, Holmes boasts a respectable 2.82 ERA and an impressive ground ball rate of 67.6% across 40 innings. Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021, Holmes' talent is undeniable, but his late-game struggles have been a thorn in the Yankees' side. "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," said Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
Holmes' woes began early in the season with a blown save on April 3. A pivotal moment came on May 20 when he surrendered a three-run lead against the Seattle Mariners. On July 5, he yielded a game-tying two-run homer to Masataka Yoshida. The Yankees have a glaring 3-7 record in games where Holmes has blown a save, illustrating the significant impact of his late-game vulnerabilities. Notably, Holmes has faced more left-handed hitters than right-handed hitters, exposing a potential strategic flaw in his utilization.
Despite Holmes' challenges, the Yankees' bullpen remains a strong unit, ranked 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, offering a beacon of hope in high-leverage situations. Furthermore, the Yankees fortified their bullpen by acquiring Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline. However, Leiter has struggled to find his footing in pinstripes, allowing seven runs and 23 baserunners over 9 1/3 innings.
Boone's management of the bullpen could be pivotal in the Yankees' quest to overtake the Orioles and cement their playoff position. “I will leave [save situations] open and try and put these guys in places where they match up really well,” Boone remarked, indicating a flexible approach to late-game tactics. This strategy might be essential, especially given the volatility surrounding Holmes' recent performances.
The Yankees' season narrative is far from complete, with every game holding immense significance in their playoff bid. Holmes' resilience and ability to rebound will be crucial in determining the team's fate down the stretch. Whether he can overcome his recent struggles remains to be seen, but the Yankees' overall bullpen strength could tip the scales in their favor. As the race tightens, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, every pitch carrying the weight of postseason dreams.