Just In: The Yankees thrive in close games thanks to their lights-out bullpen.

The Yankees have played more close games than any other team in baseball, and it is currently working out really nicely for them.

The most games in baseball history have been decided by three runs or less—27 out of 36 games. And in those contests, they are 16-11.

The Tigers were swept over the weekend, winning all of their games by a wide margin thanks to clutch hitting from the offense and a solid bullpen after great outings from the starters.

“I believe that finishing those games is crucial. Those are the games that will get you into the postseason when the season ends, according to Juan Soto. “It means a lot to us at the conclusion of the season to win such close and difficult games. Many guys won’t see it at this time, but near the end of the season, it will be worthwhile.

The excellent performance of the bullpen, which is led by standout closer Clay Holmes, has been a significant contributor.

Over 16 ¹/₃ innings, the right-hander has not given up a run while striking out 18 and recording 11 saves.

But he’s not the only one wearing the updated pen.

During the offseason, the Yankees lost several important pitchers, including Wandy Peralta (free agency) and Michael King (trade). After having elbow surgery, Jonathan Loaisiga is out for the whole campaign.

Victor Gonzalez, Dennis Santana, Ian Hamilton, and Luke Weaver have all been excellent substitutes for them.

Santana, a former right-hander for the Mets, has the lowest ERA of the four at 3.45 and has not allowed a run to score in his last six appearances.

With an MLB-best 2.27 ERA, the group has allowed just three earned runs in 43 innings since April 23.

With 23 ¹/₃ innings pitched without an earned run allowed, the bullpen leads the Yankees (23–13) in team ERA (2.99), which is the third lowest in the league.

Manager Aaron Boone stated, “You need contributions from the entire bullpen to win a lot of close games.” “It’s a credit to that pen that we can close out some games, but maybe we hang around in a game we’re down [and rally for a win].”

It is also important to pay attention to the starting pitchers.

With 29 starts, it has given up three earned runs or fewer and has a 3.46 ERA overall.

The Yankees, along with the Nationals and Orioles, are the only three teams whose starters complete at least four innings in each outing.

All of this has helped them get off to a great start in close games.

Related Articles….

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.”

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.