The Yankees pulled out a thrilling 3-2 win over the Royals in 11 innings on Wednesday night to take the series, but the walk-off was necessary after Clay Holmes blew his 12th save of the season by allowing the tying run in the seventh inning.
Holmes’ blown save led to several Yankee fans calling for the righty to be moved even further down in the bullpen pecking order, or removed from the relief rotation entirely. But Chris McMonigle says, if the Yankees are going to win a title this season, they’re going to need Holmes.
“Moving him from the closer role was absolutely necessary,” C-Mac said. “I don’t think there’s a path for him to get back to the closer.
“Do you think this bullpen is good enough to completely eliminate Clay Holmes? Do you have enough faith to get through a playoff series or to win this division the rest of the way without pitching Clay Holmes?”
Luke Weaver, Tommy Kahnle, and Jake Cousins have been tasked with getting high-leverage outs, but with the state of the starting rotation, C-Mac says that won’t be enough, and Holmes will have to be a factor.
“They’re gonna make it the rest of the way…pitching three guys in big-time moments? They need Clay Holmes,” C-Mac said.
“You can’t just banish Clay Holmes. If they had enough guys, I’d be open to it. Luis Gil pitches five innings. Nestor Cortes can’t pitch the third time through. Carlos Rodon strikes a lot of guys out and throws a lot of pitches…the Yankees are gonna need their relievers, and Clay Holmes has been one of their better relievers since he’s been brought here.”