Under-the-Radar Yankees Pitcher Could Emerge as Surprise Closer by End of Season, ESPN Insider Predicts

Yankees fans may feel uneasy about their closer given their history with Mariano Rivera, who saved 652 games over 19 seasons and made the ninth inning seem routine. Clay Holmes, the current closer, has shown effectiveness but has also been unpredictable.

Arriving from the Pirates, Holmes discovered a new pitch that made him seem like Trevor Hoffman in pinstripes, but there are concerns about whether his success will continue.

The apprehension stems from a previous collapse: After starting the season with an impressive 0.47 ERA through his first 37 appearances, Holmes faltered, blowing three consecutive saves in August. This downturn led the Yankees to use a closer-by-committee approach. Although Holmes managed to regain his form, that unexpected slump remains a point of concern.

Meanwhile, Ron Marinaccio, a Toms River, N.J. native, made a serious impact last summer. He allowed just one earned run over 27.1 innings during a three-month period, showcasing his strong changeup and unshakeable confidence. Marinaccio wrapped up his rookie season with a 2.05 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 44 innings.

Manager Aaron Boone praised Marinaccio, stating, “He’s got a bit of a killer instinct. This guy isn’t afraid of any situation. Whether he experienced success, which he had plenty of, or faced challenges, it didn’t faze him.”