New York Yankees closing pitcher Clay Holmes. (John Froschauer/AP)
The New York Yankees are facing an important moment in their season as they transition to a closer-by-committee approach following Clay Holmes‘ latest misstep.
Holmes, who has been the team’s primary closer, suffered his 11th blown save of the season during a recent game against the Texas Rangers, where he allowed a walk-off grand slam to rookie Wyatt Langford.
This defeat not only marked a significant blow to the Yankees’ playoff aspirations but also prompted manager Aaron Boone to reassess the bullpen’s structure as the team competes for the top spot in the AL East.
Holmes’ Struggles
Clay Holmes has had a vociferous season, leading Major League Baseball with 11 blown saves. In the recent game against the Rangers, he entered the ninth inning with a one-run lead but quickly unraveled, allowing a single followed by two walks before Langford’s decisive grand slam.
This performance highlighted ongoing issues with Holmes’ command and control, as he has struggled to put batters away, particularly in high-pressure situations. Despite previous strong outings, including five scoreless appearances leading up to the game, the consistency that made him an All-Star has been elusive this season.
Shift to a Closer-by-Committee Approach
In light of Holmes’ struggles, Boone announced that the Yankees would adopt a closer-by-committee strategy. This decision underscores the team’s commitment to winning games rather than adhering to traditional roles based on past performance.
Boone emphasized that while Holmes still has the potential to reclaim his dominant form, the immediate focus would be on utilizing various arms in the bullpen to secure victories. Potential candidates for the closer role include:
- Jake Cousins: Currently holds one save and has a solid 2.73 ERA over 30 innings.
- Tim Hill: A left-handed option with a 2.34 ERA across 27 relief appearances.
- Luke Weaver: Another right-hander who has experience in closing situations.
- Michael Tonkin and Tommy Kahnle: Both have shown effectiveness in recent outings.
Additionally, rookies Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt, returning from the injured list, may also be considered for closing duties.
Implications for the Yankees
The Yankees are fighting hard with the Baltimore Orioles for the AL East lead, making every game crucial. The shift to a committee approach allows Boone to match pitchers against specific matchups, enhancing the chances of securing late-game victories.
This strategy could also serve to alleviate some of the pressure on Holmes, allowing him to regain his confidence and potentially return to the closer role in the future.
As the Yankees navigate this critical juncture in their season, the effectiveness of this new strategy will be closely monitored. With the playoffs on the horizon, the team’s ability to adapt and make necessary adjustments will be vital for their success.
The coming weeks will reveal whether the closer-by-committee approach can stabilize the bullpen and keep the Yankees in contention for a postseason berth.
