The New York Yankees had been enjoying a pretty good season this year. Mostly, things have been going their way so far, unlike last season. In 2023, there were just too many injury issues that the Bronx Bombers had to deal with. When key players like Aaron Judge and Anthony Rizzo stay out for over two months, it makes the offense very weak. Moreover, the NY side could not make the postseason last year as they finished with a terrible 82-80 record. On top of that, it was their worst season in the last 30 years. Since then, they have been looking for redemption.
They are trying their best to dominate the American League East division. Moreover, the Yankees had a pretty good start in 2024. After Juan Soto joined the roster, he made them a better offense. Due to a formidable offense, the NY side is leading the AL East at present. They are a top contender in the American League to make the World Series. But there is one major concern for Aaron Boone’s side ahead of the playoffs: the lack of a true closer.
Yankees Skipper Won’t Mind If They Stay Creative With Closers In Playoffs
Next month, the Yankees will start their 2024 playoff journey. It is pretty exciting for the Aaron Judge-Juan Soto duo if they can lead the team to the ‘Big Dance.’ However, one major concern in the bullpen might give the manager some sleepless nights. The role of the closer is much talked about at the moment, as the NY side does not have a true closer. With just 17 games remaining, Aaron Boone seems to be okay with being ‘creative’ about the closer’s role. When Clay Holmes had his 11th blown save this season, the manager realized that he needed to get creative with the end-of-game pitching plans. Hence, last week, Boone gave a chance to Luke Weaver to pick up his first save.
Then, Holmes pitched an eighth inning. So far, nobody from the bullpen has emerged with the job of the closer. But Aaron Boone is “Comfortable” if the late-season pivot extends into the playoffs. Prior to Tuesday’s game where Yankees lost 5-0 to the Kansas City Royals, Aaron Boone told the New York Post that if the team ends up settling on one hurler who closes out games most of the times, “That’s fine, too.” He says that he will let that evolve. Moreover, the strategy seems a bit risky ahead of the playoffs. However, it doesn’t mean it can’t work.
Can Clay Holmes Get Back Into His July All-Star Form?
Initially, Clay Holmes had been the main closer for the Yankees this season. He was doing a great job, and that’s the reason why he was able to make a cameo in the All-Star game back in July. Moreover, Holmes had a career-high 29 saves. But then, the closer started getting into a slump. Lately, he had his 11th blown save of the season. Fans have criticized Boone’s plan to keep letting Holmes close the games.
But without a solid closer the team and the manager would lose the anchor that stabilizes any bullpen at any phase of the season. In Holme’s last 18 outings, he had eight collected saves. But he also has blown five. Moreover, he has a 4.24 ERA over the last 18 games. In the first 39 outings of the season, Holmes had a 2.82 ERA. Clearly, the hurler jeopardized the feasibility of the scenario.
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