Rough Day for Clay: Yankees Closer to IL After Recent Struggles

Clay Holmes (Getty Images)

Second Half Slump

After starting the season strong and earning his first All-Star appearance, Yankees’ closer Clay Holmes landed himself on the 15-day IL with a back issue. This comes as no surprise to the team or the fans, as the post-All-Star break struggles mounted for the dominant righty. Unfortunately, it is just a microcosm of the team’s struggles since the break.

Leading up to the All-Star festivities, Holmes was considered the best closer in baseball. He compiled a 1.31 ERA in 41 games, earned saves in 16 out of 20 appearances, and held batters to a .182 batting average. However, since the break, the script has completely flipped. In eight games, he has an 8.22 ERA, one save, and opponents are batting .241.

There were murmurs that something had to be wrong with Holmes, whether it was fatigue or injury. Now, with back spasms placing him on the IL, the Yankees are searching for an answer to the closer role that Holmes almost put to rest.

Aroldis Chapman surrendered three runs in the final game in the Rays series, putting a blemish on his recent success since returning to the bullpen. Ron Marinaccio earned his recall from Scranton with the Holmes injury. He proved why he should have never been sent down, pitched another scoreless outing, and went 1.2 innings with two strikeouts. Trade deadline addition Scott Effross made his own bid for the closer role, pitching another solid 1.1 innings with two Ks.

Each man has done his job, providing solid options for the team going forward. Still, the main concern is getting Holmes right after his return. Before the injury, Holmes had pinpoint command and impressive movement. However, the struggles have been marked by loss of control and flat movement. The velocity has not wavered, but if Holmes wants to return to form, it relies on his control.

The Home Stretch

Obviously, the Yankees want a healthy Holmes going into the postseason. Pitching coach Matt Blake will look to restore the dominant form that made him a first-half All-Star. In the interim, however, it seems to be a closer by committee situation in the Bronx, and an important stretch of games is upon them.

Chapman, Marinaccio, and Effross all showcased their talents as of late, so it is up to Aaron Boone to put them in the best possible spots to succeed. Whether he plays the matchups, mixes them into different situations, or goes with the hot hand, Boone has a tall order to fill to replace Holmes. Unfortunately, it will not get easier as the team will be without Holmes for the rest of the month while stuck in this current slide.

The division lead has shrunk slightly, and the crosstown rival Mets are rolling into Yankee Stadium, looking to assert their dominance as the best team in New York. If the Yankees cannot hold down the fort before Holmes returns, it will only add pressure to the All-Star’s plate.

In the dog days of summer, the Bronx Bombers need a strong bullpen presence if they want to close out the regular season on a high note.