Clay Holmes’ Upcoming Start and Mets’ Pitching Situation
The Mets are looking towards Wednesday as the date for Clay Holmes’ next anticipated start against the Dodgers. Team officials appear to be hopeful that the right-handed pitcher is healthy enough to take the mound.
Just last Saturday, after Holmes had to sit out a game against the Athletics due to discomfort in his left hamstring, manager Carlos Mendoza expressed optimism about Holmes’ return. However, he did mention that how Holmes performs in his side sessions will be crucial in determining his ability to pitch as scheduled.
Mendoza also noted there’s been no talk about adjusting Holmes’ position in the rotation, maintaining a focus on his upcoming start.
“Right now, he seems to be doing well, so we’re on track for him to start normally,” Mendoza said prior to the Mets’ 11-6 defeat against the Athletics at Citi Field.
If the need arises, Sean Manaea could step in for Holmes, providing depth to the rotation. Additionally, Tobias Meyers is available in a long relief role, while Christian Scott and Jonah Tong remain primary options down in Triple-A Syracuse. However, it seems the team won’t consider calling them up unless there’s a significant need to stretch the rotation.
Holmes has made three starts this season and boasts a solid 1.50 ERA. Before leaving the game on Friday due to hamstring issues, he allowed just one earned run over five hits and three walks in 5 1/3 innings.
In another development, Richard Lovelady has been tasked with making room for Craig Kimbrel on the roster. The left-hander has faced a unique situation, having been designated for assignment five times by the Mets since he joined in June. Across his career, he’s experienced it nine times.
Interestingly, the Mets’ pitching staff recently achieved an impressive feat, having gone 68 innings without permitting a home run. This streak ended when pitcher Kodai Chiga lost a shutout to Tyler Soderstrom on Saturday, marking the longest stretch without a home run allowed since September 2013.
In a lighter note, Carson Benge has been racking up some bases, stealing five this season, which puts him tied for fifth among major league players in that statistic.
