Expect to see a lot more mixing and matching from the Yankees at the end of games instead of simply relying on Clay Holmes as the regular closer. Asked prior to Tuesdays game against Cleveland if Holmes would close if there were a save opportunity, Aaron Boone said, It could very well be [Holmes], but again, I will leave that open and try and put these guys in places where they match up really well. So well see. That comes after Holmes on Sunday against the Tigers in Williamsport, Pa. The Yankees will instead begin to look more at matchups to determine who pitches the late innings. Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes. Jason Szenes for the NY Post If theres a bunch of right-handed batters coming up in the eighth inning, Holmes might get the call there. And if a segment of a lineup is approaching in the ninth with a few tough lefties, that have more succe s versus left-handers. Explore More Holmes said he wanted to close, but was open to other jobs. New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes (35) throws a pitch during the ninth inning on Tuesday. Robert Sabo for NY Post Ive never been too caught up in titles or roles, Holmes said before striking out three and walking walk in a scorele s ninth inning in the . Ill approach it like I always have. I want to help the team win. It doesnt matter [in] what capacity. Pitching coach Matt Blake said Holmes has had a solid season. Its noisy around him and us. Hes still throwing the ball well. Yankees pitcher Tommy Kahnle (41) pitches in the ninth inning when the New York Yankees played the Texas Rangers. Robert Sabo for NY Post But Blake said Holmes has occasionally been the victim of tough situations. Theyd still like to avoid him facing too many lefties if they feel they Kevin Love Jersey have better options. Among those who could be used in those spots are the bullpens two left-handers, Tim Hill and Tim Mayza, as well as righties like Tommy Kahnle, Mark Leiter Jr. and Luke Weaver who are also effective against lefties. Go beyond the box score with the Bombers Sign up for Inside the Yankees by Greg Joyce, exclusively on Sports+. Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! You look at how our bullpen is constructed and we have a lot of guys that are really good at getting lefties out, Blake said. For us not to be open-minded and creative about it would be short-sighted. Holmes allowed an OPS of .560 against lefties last season. Its risen to .726 this season. But Blake also noted, The ninth inning is a little bit its own animal, so you have to consider that. Boone, Holmes and Blake said the right-handers confidence remained high, but the results havent been good of late. It remains to be seen how often Holmes gets the ninth inning going forward. Mark Leiter Jr. #38 of the New York Yankees throws a pitch during the 9th inning when the New York Yankees played the Toronto Blue Jays. Robert Sabo for NY Post But that doesnt mean Holmes wont be picking up more saves. I expect it to be Clay on a lot of nights, Boone said. But if I feel like that really good matchup for Clay is in the eighth on a given night, where it serves him or lines up better then Ill be open to doing that a little bit more than I have. Holmes stuff remains good and as Boone said, hes been unfortunate. He hasnt made a pitch in a couple of spots where he could, but based on the way hes thrown the ball the entirety of this year, really, you would expect him to have succe s moving forward. Thats my expectation. Larry Nance Jr. Jersey