Nobody in baseball has played more close games than the Yankees, and it is working out pretty well for them.
Through 36 contests, 27 have been decided by three runs or fewer, the most in baseball. And they are 16-11 in those games.
Each game of the sweep of the Tigers over the weekend was by such a margin, keyed by a bullpen that pitched well after strong performances from the starters and an offense that came through in the clutch.
“I think it’s really important to get those games done. When the season’s over, those games are the ones that are going to take you to the playoffs,” Juan Soto said. “Winning those close games and tough games, that means a lot for us for the end of the season. A lot of guys won’t see it right now, but it’s going to pay off when the season’s over.”
A major factor has been the terrific work by the bullpen, led by lights-out closer Clay Holmes.
The right-hander has yet to allow a run across 16 ¹/₃ innings while striking out 18 and notching 11 saves.
He, however, is not alone in the new-look pen.
The Yankees lost a number of key arms in the offseason, most notably Michael King (trade) and Wandy Peralta (free agency). Jonathan Loaisiga is out for the season following elbow surgery.
Their replacements have been terrific, from Ian Hamilton and Luke Weaver to Victor Gonzalez and Dennis Santana.
Of the four, Santana has the lowest ERA at 3.45, and the former Mets right-hander hasn’t been scored upon in his last six outings.
That group has an MLB-best 2.27 ERA, and since April 23, it has given up just three earned runs over 43 innings.
The bullpen hasn’t allowed an earned run in 23 ¹/₃ innings, and overall the Yankees (23-13) team ERA of 2.99 is the third lowest in the game.
“To win a lot of close games, you’ve got to have contributions from an entire bullpen,’’ manager Aaron Boone said. “Maybe we hang around in a game we’re down [and rally for a win], but in also being able to close out some games, it’s a credit to that pen.”
The starting pitching shouldn’t be overlooked, either.
It has a cumulative 3.46 ERA and has allowed three earned runs or fewer in 29 starts.
The Yankees are also one of three teams to have a starter go at least four innings in every outing, with the Orioles and Nationals the others.
It has all contributed to their strong start in close games.