Yankees manager Aaron Boone remains noncommittal about the team’s closer role, especially in light of Clay Holmes’ recent struggles. Before Tuesday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians, Boone was asked if Holmes would be the designated closer. Boone hedged, saying, “He could very well be,” leaving the door open for other possibilities as the Yankees try to stabilize their bullpen.
“He’s gotta finish off a couple at-bats here and there that have obviously hurt us. So we’ll put these guys in the position we think they can be most successful.”
What’s happening to Clay Holmes?
Clay Holmes, who has blown 10 saves this season, has been under intense scrutiny. Despite his struggles, Boone still sees Holmes as a key part of the bullpen, though he stopped short of fully endorsing him as the team’s definitive closer. “He’s still the guy,” Boone said, but he also acknowledged that there are other options to consider for the high-pressure ninth inning.
Clay Holmes, on the other hand, is trying to stay focused on his performance and the team’s success. “I just want to win and pitch well,” Holmes said on Tuesday, indicating that his primary concern is contributing to the Yankees’ victories, regardless of his role.
The Yankees‘ decision not to acquire a closer at the trade deadline has only heightened the uncertainty surrounding the bullpen. Instead of securing a proven closer, the Yankees opted for supplementary additions like Mark Leiter Jr., leaving Boone to rely on the existing bullpen members, including Holmes, to secure wins as the team pushes for a playoff spot.
The closer situation has become a hot topic among Yankees fans and analysts. WFAN’s Keith McPherson, for instance, has been particularly critical of Clay Holmes, especially after his most recent blown save during the Yankees’ appearance in the Little League Classic. With the bullpen’s inconsistency becoming more apparent, Boone’s handling of the closer role is under the microscope.
As the Yankees enter the final stretch of the season, Boone’s decisions regarding who to trust in the ninth inning will be crucial. The team’s postseason chances may very well depend on whether Clay Holmes can regain his form or if Boone will be forced to look elsewhere for a reliable closer.
For now, Boone appears to be giving Clay Holmes a chance to prove himself, but the pressure is mounting. Each game is becoming more critical, and so is Boone’s need to make the right call on who will secure those all-important final outs.
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