Yankees, Clay Holmes
CBS News

The New York Yankees’ second-half record has been concerning contrary to what the division standing suggested. They were 30-37 since the All-Star break, and if not for the Baltimore Orioles’ own shortcomings, the Yanks would have been nowhere close to the top spot, let alone being in the sole possession of it.

In the latest gaffe, the New York Yankees lost its third series in a row with a 7-4 loss to the Rangers on Tuesday. The Yanks had a 4-3 lead heading into the ninth inning before closer Clay Holmes blew up yet another save in what is turning out to be a devastating season for him.

   

Clay Holmes Blows MLB-High 11th Save In Yankees 7-4 Loss

Yankees, Clay Holmes
(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Closer Clay Holmes, who had been a crucial part of the New York Yankees’ bullpen in the first half of the season, struggled once again under pressure as he blew an MLB-high 11th save of the season in a 7-4 loss against the Texas Rangers. Since featuring in the All-Star game, Holmes’ record has been concerning and hideous, to say the least. He last blew a save on Aug. 18 against the Detroit Tigers, but manager Aaron Boone refused to replace him, saying, “Clay’s the guy.” However, on Tuesday, the Yanks paid the price of their blind faith as Holmes allowed a grand slam to Langford on a full count. Before Landford arrived, Holmes walked Josh Smith and Marcus Semien on missed sliders.

With that loss, the New York Yankees lost the sole possession of the AL-East division for the first time in three weeks. Needless to say, Clay Holmes’ 11th blown save of the season has raised questions about his role as the team’s closer. While he has been capable of dominant performances, his inability to consistently deliver in high-pressure situations has cost the Yankees several games this season. “Didn’t deserve to come out on top there the way I was throwing,” Holmes acknowledged his mistakes. While Aaron Boone toughened his stand, he was not ready to commit to immediate changes to the bullpen. That being said, the Yankees now face a critical period as they look to stabilize their bullpen. Holmes’ struggles will prompt a reevaluation of their closing options, especially with postseason aspirations on the line.

Aaron Boone Reveals Real Reason For Jasson Dominguez’s Snub

Yankees
Jasson Domínguez in the on-deck circle prior to his first major league at bat. via Twitter NYY

Public outrage over Jasson Dominguez’s snub from major league promotion hasn’t stopped, as fans want to see the kid in the pinstripes for the final few weeks of the season. However, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone clarified that there is no room for Jasson at the moment. He has missed a lot of time this year due to injuries and is just no there yet.

Regardless, Jasson Dominguez isn’t completely shut off. The front office didn’t feel the need to promote him on September 1. But going forward, in the final two weeks of the regular season, the kid will remain in active conversations. “And if something pops up, you feel really good about him being there who could slide in,” Boone said on the Talkin Yanks podcast.

Stay tuned with Sports News International for more such updates about your favorite MLB team