The New York Yankees are dealing with the closer issue, mainly because Clay Holmes has been struggling a lot lately. Moreover, the pitchers have been shaky in terms of health and performance as well in the last few series. Nestor Cortes, Holmes, Clarke Schmidt, Carlos Rodon, and others have all been very inconsistent in 2024. On top of that, the ace pitcher Gerrit Cole had come out of a 60-day long stay on the Injured List since the start of the regular season. During the spring training, he suffered a severe right elbow inflammation.
Even after returning to the lineup, the reigning AL Cy Young winner did not look at his finest. In the last series against the Texas Rangers, he even seemed exhausted. Moreover, in the last month or so, the pitching has been a big concern for the NY side. Lately, the Bronx Bombers have temporarily shifted Cortes to the bullpen. Perhaps Clarke Schmidt will replace Nestor in the starting lineup. But the closer role is raising doubts more than ever at present.
Aaron Boone Said They’ll Get “Creative” After Clay Holmes Blew 11th Save
Apparently, the Yankees are trying to open the doors for their role of the closer. But even after the 11th blown save, Aaron Boone does not want to give up on Clay Holmes. According to the New York Post, in the post-game interview on Tuesday, the NY side’s manager mentioned that they would get “Creative” in terms of how they close out games in the future. They will likely give opportunities to different relievers to save the team based on matchups. Hence, hurlers like Luke Weaver, Jake Cousins, and Tommy Kahnle would have more important role to play as relievers. Adding to that, the Yankees will give Clay Holmes more chance to save the game on given nights. Then, the manager can also give closer roles to Luis Gil as the team is facing a rotation crunch. At Globe Life Field on Wednesday, Aaron Boone mentioned that the goal is to put these guys in the best position to have success in the short term.
Moreover, the skipper was like it will take time to understand how differently things will shake out every night. But in the short term, Boone said, that’s the way the Yankees will go. Even in his struggling phase, Boone says that the team would like to support Holmes and believes the reliever is not very far from his dominant form. Nonetheless, the Yankees manager knows that in the short term, they will have to be a little creative down their way. Moreover, Boone said, “Never say never,” to the idea of Schmidt and Gil factoring down the road into the late innings.
Yankees Announcer Says They Can’t Close With Holmes
On the ESPN radio show, Michael Kay, the play by play announcer of the Yankees expressed his view on Holmes’ 11th blown save. After the Rangers game on Tuesday, Kay mentioned that things are all happening in the mind of Holmes. Moreover, the play by play announcer added, “It was epically bad last night.”
On top of that, Kay said that he believes the Bronx Bombers can’t close with Clay Holmes any longer. He said that was a terrible loss for the Pinstripes, even after the offense did a good job, and the starting pitcher did well. But the closer ruined it in the end. Kay just emphasized on “You can’t close with that guy.”
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