Clay Holmes has yet to give up an earned run in the postseason, and has only allowed one inherited runner to score, which came on a groundout in game two of the ALCS when he came on in relief of Gerrit Cole in the middle of a Guardians rally.
It has been quite the rise from being demoted from the closer role, and Chris McMonigle says Holmes’ redemption arc is directly linked to how Aaron Boone handled his struggles during the summer.
“The faith he continued to show in Clay Holmes,” C-Mac said. “The fanbase is killing him…and Aaron Boone still forced him in there because he knew they would need him, and right now, you could argue that he’s been their most important pitcher. Even more important than [Luke] Weaver.”
Holmes led the league in blown saves when he was taken out of the closer role in favor of Weaver, but Boone continued to find high-leverage spots for Holmes, and C-Mac believes it instilled confidence in the reliever and put him in a position to succeed in October, and he has been a vital part to New York’s success thus far.
“Every situation he’s come into, runner on third, tying run, the starter is losing it…runners on, less than two outs, need a double play, tying run on base, every single spot, and he’s been pitch perfect. He’s been great,” C-Mac said. “That’s the manager. Aaron Boone did that.”