NEW YORK — As the final out sailed through the sky, a lazy fly ball destined for the glove of YankeesThe center fielder Harrison Bader, Clay HolmesHe clapped his hands, and waited. Holmes, who was still sidelined from a shoulder strain, had not pitched in 16 games, but his team believed him to secure a 4-1 win. ClevelandIn Game 1 of American League Division Series.
Holmes was able to earn the assignment by combining achievement with attrition. He looked strong at one point in this year. He was healthy enough to audition against the lowest Guardians order at this point.
Holmes made the final two outs Tuesday. A stranger was warming up in the bullpen. Jameson TaillonHe spent the entire regular season in the starting lineup. At least for this series, he’ll be the high-leverage reliever. This is the guy who gets heated with runners on the last innings. Holmes steadied himself to end the game, but the team’s bucket brigade bullpen was in full force in the victory.
“We need to lean on each other,” Holmes said.
On Tuesday night, the Yankees lived up to their potential in the playoffs. The lineup was strong enough to win the game. Their starting pitcher played long enough to protect the bullpen, which was already depleted and role-agnostic. The Guardians were dominated by their relievers, no matter how unsettling they might be.
