The New York Yankees keep losing games.
Last night, they suffered a 3-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays, which means that they have now lost five consecutive series.
To make matters worse, they may have lost their star closer Clay Holmes for a little while.
Holmes has not pitched since last Friday against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.
He lasted just a third of an inning in that game and allowed a run.
Holmes revealed that his back has been a problem of late, while also stressing that the best course of action for him at this point is to just give it a bit of a rest.
Clay Holmes is dealing with an issue in his back and appears he will be headed to the IL
"The best way to go about it was to just try to give it a break" pic.twitter.com/b72XOuStvE
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) August 17, 2022
Holmes Heads To The IL
This is a tough blow for the Yankees.
Holmes has struggled over his last few outings, but has been dominant out of the closer’s role otherwise, posting a 2.39 ERA in 49 appearances.
This is yet another tough break for the Yankees, who with their recent slide have watched their lead in the American League East shrink a little bit and have lost their hold on the best record in all of baseball.
The Houston Astros now have the best record in the American League with the Yankees in their funk.
Losing Holmes for any amount of time hurts the Yankees exponentially.
If there’s a silver lining, it’s that Holmes doesn’t think it’s going to keep him out for too long.
Still, it’s a tough pill to swallow for the Yankees, who have now lost 11 out of their last 13 games.
The Yankees could use Aroldis Chapman or Scott Effross in the closer’s role for the time being until Holmes makes it back.
For now, the Yankees will have to piece some things together.
