The New York Yankees certainly couldn't ask for much more out of Clay Holmes right now.
The 30-year-old has been lights-out as New York's closer so far this season and even has put himself in historic company. Holmes has been almost unhittable over his last 34 appearances and has compiled a minuscule 0.80 ERA to go along with 12 saves and 41 strikeouts over that stretch. The 30-year-old joined Yankees Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera as the only other hurler in team history to reach these thresholds over a 34-game stretch.
Rivera accomplished the feat twice throughout his Yankee career in 2005 and 2008. Holmes was acquired by the Yankees during the 2021 campaign from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for infielders Diego Castillo and Hoy Park. Since joining the Yankees, Holmes has been one of the very best relievers in baseball and made his lone All-Star appearance last season.
Holmes was an important piece of the Yankees' bullpen last season and he compiled a 2.54 ERA across 62 appearances while tallying an impressive 65-to-20 strikeout-to-walk ratio but has been even better this year. The 30-year-old arguably is having the finest season of his career to date and so far has compiled a 2.06 ERA in 46 outings to go along with 16 saves and 53 strikeouts.
New York hasn't had the season it has hoped for so far but Holmes has been a reliable arm in the back of the bullpen. The Yankees currently are four-and-a-half games out of an American League Wild Card spot and if the club wants to gain some ground, it would be extremely helpful if Holmes could maintain his hot streak.
More must-reads: