The New York Yankees bullpen is in shambles as it has been all season long due to lack of depth and controversial front office moves at the trade deadline. To make matters worse, Yankee management’s blind faith on closer Clay Holmes has proved to be catastrophic for the team, especially in the second half.
Clay Holmes is no longer the pitcher fans saw in the first half, where he pitched 20 straight scoreless innings to earn an All-Star recognition. But now that the water is beyond the bridge, it’s high time that the New York Yankees consider an immediate change. And WFAN radio host has an unusual yet interesting suggestion.
Brandon Tierney Endorses Luis Gil As Closer Over Clay Holmes
New York Yankees closer Clay Holmes scripted an unwanted record after his blown save against the Rangers on Tuesday. His 11th blown save is the highest recorded in the 2024 MLB season, and Holmes has now dropped 8 of his past 18 games pitching in relief. It’s time for a change, and Yankee manager Aaron Boone acknowledges the same. He promised to be creative with the closing option as the Yanks embark on their final playoff push. That being said, one creative idea was recently suggested by WFAN radio host Brandon Tierney. He floated the idea of promoting Luis Gil to the closer’s spot as he is struggling to find space for the rotation.
Luis Gil is playing his first full season as a starter this year, and the workload has gotten the better of him, as he sprained his back last month. After 15 days of rehab, Gil will be activated from IL this weekend along with Clarke Schmidt. Schmidt’s lat strain kept him out for eight weeks. But he is ready to be back as a starter. Hence, at a time when Yankees’ rotation depth is overflowing, moving Gil to the bullpen will not only resolve the bullpen crisis but also help in managing Gil’s innings count workload. “Holmes is out, Luis Gil is in, that’s it. Clarke Schmidt, you’re in the rotation; Luis Gil, you’re the closer; Clay Holmes, you’re done,” Brandon said. However, the suggestion is not without its critics. Gil is someone who has zero experience in pitching in the ninth inning, and the plan could end up doing more harm than good.
Yankees Drop Another Series With 10-6 Loss To Rangers
The New York Yankees are slipping more and more as the 2024 MLB season nears its business end of things. After losing to Washington Nations and St.Louis Cardinals, the Yanks dropped its third series in a row with a 10-6 loss against the Texas Rangers on Wednesday. Marcus Stroman was shaky once again, with 5 runs allowed in 3.2 innings.
Tim Mayza and Ron Marinaccio further allowed 5 more runs in relief as the offense struggled to bounce back. Trent Grisham managed to reduced the trail with a grand slam before Juan Soto also went yard. However, the damage from the pitchers was profound and eventually resulted in a disappointing 10-6 defeat.
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