Clay Holmes of the New York Yankees has been showcasing a resurgence in his pitching prowess, particularly with his sinker, at a crucial juncture for the team. After being relieved of his closer role about a month ago, Holmes has been in stellar form, conceding only two runs over his last 14 appearances. His exceptional performance, including five scoreless innings, played a significant role in the Yankees' advancement to the American League Championship Series.
During the regular season, Holmes posted a 3-5 record with a 3.14 ERA and 30 saves in 67 games. Despite leading the majors with 13 blown saves, a pivotal moment came when he was removed from the closer position after giving up a game-ending grand slam in early September. However, Holmes bounced back with a series of impressive outings, contributing to the Yankees securing home-field advantage throughout the AL playoffs.
The Yankees' bullpen was instrumental in their AL Division Series victory over the Kansas City Royals, with relievers combining for 15 2/3 scoreless innings. Holmes played a crucial role in multiple games, showcasing his pitching prowess and helping the team secure crucial wins.
Manager Aaron Boone praised Holmes' resilience and highlighted his exceptional pitching abilities, emphasizing the value he brings to the team. Holmes attributed his recent success to an improved grip on his sinker, a pitch he has been relying on more heavily in recent games.
Looking ahead to the ALCS, the Yankees are deliberating on their Game 1 starter, ruling out rookie Luis Gil. Veteran pitchers like Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole are being considered for the starting roles, with Gil set to pitch later in the series after recovering from injury.
Meanwhile, the availability of first baseman Anthony Rizzo for the ALCS remains uncertain due to a hand injury sustained in a previous game. While Rizzo is making progress with treatments, his participation in the upcoming series is yet to be confirmed. In his absence, utility players Oswaldo Cabrera and Jon Berti have been filling in admirably at first base, contributing significantly to the team's success.
The Yankees are gearing up for a challenging ALCS, with key decisions on pitching rotations and player availability set to shape their strategy for the upcoming games.
