Keith: Yankees 'don't plan on winning in October' if Clay Holmes is closer

Clay Holmes blew his fifth save in his last seven tries on Wednesday night, though the rest of the bullpen did enough to lock down a thrilling 7-6 win in 12 innings.

After the game, Aaron Judge gave Holmes a vote of confidence when speaking with reporters, declaring that Holmes is the guy they want on the mound when the game is on the line. Keith was hardly inspired.

“When will it end with Clay Holmes?” Keith said. “It’s insanity doing the same thing and expecting different results.

“I got respect for you. You’re the greatest player I’ve ever seen…sorry cap. We need another closer. Anybody.”

Holmes’ ninth inning started with a slow roller down the third base line by J.T. Realmuto for an infield single, and he changed places with Nick Castellanos on a fielder’s choice that had a slim chance of a double play had Gleyber Torres not struggled to get the ball out of his glove on the transfer. A ground ball single and a wild pitch led to the tying run, and led to Keith fuming at the thought of Holmes being burned by ground balls that find holes and a lack of strikeouts in crucial October moments.

“If that’s your closer, you don’t plan on winning in October,” Keith said. “Just stop. You can’t fool me again…he’s not like that. Geez.”