The New York Yankees are getting reinforcement in the bullpen, as the team announced that star closer Clay Holmes will be reinstated from the 15-day injured list on Monday afternoon.
Per the Yankees:
- Reinstated RHP Clay Holmes (#35) from the 15-day injured list.
- Placed INF/OF Marwin Gonzalez on the paternity list.
- Recalled OF Tim Locastro (#33) from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
The Yankees desperately needed Clay Holmes to return:
Holmes has been dealing with a lower back issue after struggling in the month of August across four appearances. He featured a 10.80 ERA, giving up four earned runs over 3.1 innings.
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In July, he posted a 7.00 ERA across 9.0 innings, giving up seven earned runs and eight walks. It was clear that Holmes was dealing with something and needed to be shut down for a few weeks to ensure his health heading into the playoffs in October.
On the season, Holmes has earned a 2.39 ERA, 2.84 xFIP, and 9.37 strikeouts per nine, 77. 7% left on base rate and 81% grounds ball rate across 49 innings. He utilizes a lethal sinker and slider combination, averaging out at 97 mph and 85.2 mph, respectively.
With Aroldis Chapman heading to the injured list with a leg infection, getting Holmes back will provide the Bombers with an elite arm to rely on the rest of the way.
In addition to Holmes, the Yankees also placed utilityman Marwin Gonzalez on the paternity list and recalled Tim Locastro from Triple-A Scranton. Locastro has made 26 appearances for the Yankees this year, recording a .176 average with a 24% on-base rate, two homers, and four RBIs. However, he has stolen seven bases, showcasing his elite speed and great defensive metrics.
The Yankees are slowly getting healthier and gaining some of their premier players back from injury but still have a long way to go as they wait for Harrison Bader, Luis Severino, Matt Carpenter, and Nestor Cortes. All are expected to return in mid-September, hopefully rounding out the roster and getting them a bit of action before the playoffs come around.