Clay Holmes earns All-Star spot with fellow Yankees Judge and Soto

Sunday July 7, 2024

Clay Holmes hasn’t been performing like an All-Star in recent weeks, but he’s still set to join fellow Yankees Aaron Judge and Juan Soto at the Midsummer Classic next week in Texas. Despite a rough patch since June 13, the closer was named to the team on Sunday.

Clay Holmes named All-Star

Entering Sunday’s game, Holmes had collected 19 saves for the Yankees. However, over his last seven appearances, the right-hander has struggled, allowing 11 hits, eight earned runs, and a pair of homers in just 6 ⅔ innings. This stretch also includes blowing two saves.

Before this recent downturn, Holmes had been excellent. In his first 30 appearances this season, he was largely dominant, giving up just four earned runs and 28 hits in 29 ⅓ innings. His current struggles might be linked to a lack of save opportunities due to the Yankees’ recent slump.

Since June 13, the Yankees had lost 15 of their previous 21 games going into Sunday, and Holmes has contributed to their troubles. A notable instance was his blown save against Boston on Friday, which cost the team a much-needed victory when they were just one out away.

Holmes, 31, was also an All-Star in 2022. Despite his recent performance issues, his early season dominance and previous accolades have earned him another All-Star nod.

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