Carlos Rodon Delivers 'Cruel' Reality Check for Clay Holmes After Meltdown in Yankees-Rangers

New York Yankees closer Clay Holmes is taking heat once again from an angry fanbase after yet another late-game meltdown, this time against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night. Holmes blew his 11th save of the 2024 MLB season when he allowed a walk-off grand slam home run to Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford in the bottom of the ninth inning of New York's 7-4 loss in Arlington.

Langford's blast took away what would have been a pitching win for starter Carlos Rodon, who was brilliant in the six innings he was on the mound. However, Rodon showed his support for Holmes.

"Baseball can be very cruel," Rodon said after the game, per Gary Phillips of NY Daily News Sports .

"It’s a cruel game. But I have a lot of faith in Clay Holmes. He’s a good teammate, so he’s got all my support and I’m looking forward to seeing him out there again."

Rodon gave up just a run and a hit while walking two Rangers and fanning 11 Texas batters. It was one of his best performances in the 2024 MLB season, but he had to settle with a no-decision instead, with Holmes struggling anew to get the job done.

It will be interesting to see where the Yankees go from here concerning Holmes and the closer position.

On the season, Holmes is 2-5 with a 3.27 ERA and 1.33 WHIP across 57 games and 55.0 innings.

Related: New York Yankees' Aaron Boone Backs Clay Holmes Despite Struggles This Season