Part 13 in a series analyzing the New York Yankees

When assessing Jonathan Holder’s level of importance to the Yankees’ bullpen, there are two themes to the process.

With Aroldis Chapman, Zack Britton, Adam Ottavino, Chad Green and Tommy Kahnle, the pen is deep enough and could survive without the disappointing 2019 version of Holder.

Nevertheless, the right-hander was one year removed from a very strong 2018 when he threw so well that of his 60 appearances, 27 were from the eighth inning on. That meant Aaron Boone and former pitching coach Larry Rothschild didn’t simply view Holder as a middle reliever. Based on Holder’s 3.14 ERA, .214 opponent batting average and holding hitters to a .589 OPS in 66 innings in 2018, Holder certainly deserved a bigger role.

So what happened last year when his ERA skyrocketed to 6.31, the OPS soared to .762 and the opponent batting average jumped to .256 in 34 games and 41 ¹/₃ innings?

“He was trying to throw harder and lost his fastball command,’’ an NL talent evaluator said. “And he couldn’t get the curveball over. His velocity was up from 2017 and 2018, up to 94 [mph]. His curveball was a plus pitch for him but developed to more of a slurve over the years.’’

Some believed the 6-foot-2, 232-pound right-hander appeared heavier than he was in 2018. Others wondered if a big-league career-high 60 games and 66 innings in 2018 affected him in 2019. An inflamed right shoulder ended Holder’s season on Aug. 7 when he went on the injured list. Could the injury have played a part in the dismal season that included being sent to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on June 24 after the Blue Jays punished Holder, who didn’t retire a batter, for five runs and five hits (two homers) in the eighth inning?

“Something has to change. It’s tough, I’ve never struggled like this. It is something new to me,’’ Holder, who made nine appearances for SWB and returned to the big leagues on July 31, said after the game. “The whole season has been a grind for me. I have to go figure it out with Larry [Rothschild].’’

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Holder, who will turn 27 on June 9, worked two August games before being shut down.

In four spring training outings Holder didn’t allow a run or a walk in 3 ¹/₃ innings while striking out four and displayed no sign his shoulder was a problem.

At 26 and with how he pitched in 2018, the Yankees certainly aren’t going to give up on Holder who can be an asset in middle relief. However, he has one minor league option remaining and the Yankees have Luis Cessa and several other right-handers in the system who could be used in the middle innings.

Should James Paxton be ready if and when the season starts Jonathan Loaisiga could be used in the pen where the Yankees could also use prospects Deivi Garcia and Michael King. Also in the mix is Ben Heller. With expanded rosters all could open the season with the Yankees.

“Ideally, he is a middle guy. If he is managed in the right way he can be successful,’’ an NL scout said of Holder.

With the late-inning bullpen deep enough to provide each other with proper rest and the starters not likely to be taxed early in the season, there will be a need for middle relievers.

Gladly, the Yankees would take the 2018 version of Holder. And if last year’s model resurfaces the club has other options from which to choose.