Key Takeaways:
– Clay Holmes has been instrumental in the New York Yankees’ successful season start in 2024.
– Holmes shares a lead in MLB saves, with a record of 11 saves from 12 opportunities.
– Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone recognises Holmes’ exceptional performance amid team’s marked improvement.
– Despite injuries, the Yankees’ bullpen leads the MLB with a combined 2.27 ERA.
– The bullpen’s strong performance is expected to improve with Tommy Kahnle’s anticipated return.
Impressive Performance Marks Yankees’ Strong Start in 2024
Kicking off the 2024 season with a mission to redeem themselves following a disappointing 14-year AL Championship drought, the New York Yankees have surpassed expectations with their impressive performance so far. With a 23-13 record, the team is proving their mettle on the field, and one man undoubtedly contributing significantly to this success is closer Clay Holmes.
Holmes’ Stellar Contribution
Through the season, Holmes has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the pitch, delivering a flawless 0.00 ERA across 16.1 innings. His performance also includes impressively managing a WHIP of 0.92 with 18 strikeouts. “I feel like things [will] keep trending in a good direction,” Holmes told the NY Post’s Greg Joyce after his 10th save of the season.
Holmes’ impressive stats have also seen him tie with Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals and Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals to lead the Major League Baseball (MLB) in saves, having safely recorded 11 saves from a total of 12 opportunities.
Manager Boone Applauds Holmes’ Performance
Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone is certainly not blind to Holmes’ exceptional contribution, as evident from his remarks post the Yankees’ five-out save against the Baltimore Orioles on May 1. Despite the possibility of needing another reliever for the ninth inning, Boone banked on Holmes to play an instrumental role in the victory.
Commenting on his decision, Boone said, “That’s the game right there….We’re at the top of their order, game’s on the line with a couple of guys out there. With Clay, it’s one pitch away if he puts you on the ground properly”.
Continuing his praises, Boone added, “[Holmes] was really sharp… throwing the ball incredibly well. Tonight, he had a little extra to his slider and sinker but was also commanding it really well.”
Yankees’ Bullpen Takes MLB Lead
As of May 6, the Yankees’ bullpen leads MLB with a combined 2.27 ERA, limiting opponents to a .197 batting average. This achievement isn’t solely attributed to Holmes’ performances even though he’s currently considered one of the most effective closers in MLB. Other team members have also been having a strong season which reflects in the team’s collective success.
Despite the injury-induced personnel changes, the bullpen’s performance has been commendable. Jonathan Loáisiga underwent Tommy John surgery after a torn UCL, ending his promising 2024 season. Then, Nick Burdi also landed on the IL due to right hip inflammation.
Despite these hurdles, the Yankees’ bullpen has proven to be formidable, maintaining their top-notch performance and even expected to improve with the impending return of Tommy Kahnle from the IL.
The strong season start is resonating well with the team’s ambitions to end the AL Championship drought, and they’re determined to maintain the momentum. Taking into account their current form along with the strength of their bullpen, the New York Yankees indeed seem to be ‘trending in a good direction.’