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New York Yankees: It’s time to disect Tyler Clippard’s struggles

By John Franklin

Jun 21, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Tyler Clippard (29) hands the ball to New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi (28) during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 21, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Tyler Clippard (29) hands the ball to New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi (28) during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Yankees relief pitcher Tyler Clippard is riding the struggle bus lately. Pitching coach Larry Rothschild will have to find a way to get Clippard out of this funk.

The New York Yankees got a big win last night, but reliever Tyler Clippard was a big dull spot in the triumph.

The Yankees took an 8-2 lead into the ninth, and Joe Girardi decided to bring Clippard into the game.

As a manager, smart move. You got a seemingly insurmountable lead, and one of your top bullpen guys is struggling. Put him out there and see what he can do with it.

Well… he did something with it alright.

On seven pitches, that’s right SEVEN pitches, Clippard gave up a leadoff double, and then a two-run homerun. Girardi pulled him from the game immediately after.

Fans were letting Clippard hear it too. After he gave up the double to right center, he was showered in boos. He threw three-straight balls after that, and each one the crowd’s roar grew even more restless.

He found the zone on a get-me-over fastball to move the count to 3-1, and Yankee Stadium erupted in sarcastic applause. Two pitches later was the moonshot that ended Clippard’s night.

It was one of the most impressively terrible pitching performances I’ve seen to date. He didn’t even manage to get an out!

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Just to add some perspective, Aroldis Chapman came in right after Clippard, and got three outs on nine pitches. I’m not sure what’s up with Clippard, but he has to find a way out of this pitching slump.

At least there isn’t a ton of pressure on Clippard anymore. With Betances pitching as well as he is, and Chapman healthy, Girardi doesn’t have to go with him until the kinks are busted out.

Some days you’re the pigeon, and others you’re the statue. I hope Clippard gets out of the habit of being an everyday statue by the All-Star break.

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