Expect the Yankees to mix and match a lot more at the end of games instead of simply relying on Clay Holmes as their regular closer.
When asked if Holmes would step in for a possible defensive action against Cleveland on Tuesday, Aaron Boone said, “That could very well be (Holmes), but again, I’m going to leave that open and try to get these guys in spots where they fit together really well. So we’ll see.”
This came after Holmes blew his 10th save of the season on Sunday against the Tigers in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The Yankees will instead pay more attention to the matchups to decide who will throw the late innings.
If there are a lot of right-handers pitching in the eighth inning, Holmes could be used there.
And if part of the lineup in the ninth inning includes some strong left-handers, they could rely on pitchers who are more successful against left-handers.
Holmes said he wanted to close but was open to other work.
“I’ve never been too fixated on titles or roles,” Holmes said. “I approach it the same way I always do. I want to help the team win. It doesn’t matter what role I’m in.”
Pitching coach Matt Blake said Holmes “had a solid season. There’s a lot going on around him and us. He’s still throwing the ball well.”
But Blake said Holmes occasionally fell victim to difficult situations.
They would still like to avoid him facing too many left-handed players if they feel they have better options.
Those who could be used in these positions include the bullpen’s two left-handers, Tim Hill and Tim Mayza, as well as right-handers like Tommy Kahnle, Mark Leiter Jr. and Luke Weaver – who are also effective against left-handers.
“Look at the way our bullpen is constructed, and we have a lot of guys who are really good at striking out left-handed hitters,” Blake said. “If we weren’t open-minded and creative about it, that would be shortsighted.”
Holmes allowed an OPS of .560 against left-handed pitchers last season. This season, it’s up to .726.
But Blake also noted: “The ninth inning is a whole different thing, you have to take that into account.”
Boone, Holmes and Blake said the right-hander’s confidence remains high, but results have not been good recently.
It remains to be seen how often Holmes will get to the ninth inning in the future.
But that doesn’t mean Holmes won’t make more saves.
“I expect Clay to be in the mix a lot of nights,” Boone said. “But if I feel like Clay gets a really good matchup in the eighth on a particular night where it benefits him or suits him better … then I’m willing to do that a little bit more than I have.”
Holmes’ stuff continues to be good and as Boone said, “He’s been unlucky. He hasn’t made a throw in some spots where he could have thrown, but when you look at how he’s thrown the ball all year, you can actually expect him to have success in the future. That’s my expectation.”
