Mets Eye Clay Holmes’ Return This Season

The Mets are optimistic about Clay Holmes returning as a pitcher at some point this season. However, the team faces the challenge of filling several starting pitching roles in the meantime.

Coach Carlos Mendoza didn’t provide a specific timeline on Saturday, but the seasoned right-hander indicated that his fractured right fibula would likely require at least six weeks to heal. Only then could he start easing back into spring training with hopes of making a comeback in the second half of the season.

“He’s going to be out for quite a while, but I’m sure we’ll see him,” Mendoza mentioned before the Mets faced off against the Yankees at Citi Field.

Holmes sustained his injury on Friday night when he was hit in the leg by a 111.1 mph line drive from Spencer Jones during the fourth inning of the Mets’ 5-2 defeat in the Subway Series opener. He managed to pitch through the fifth inning despite discomfort.

Mendoza learned about the broken bone from a trainer in the seventh inning.

“We felt it,” he said. “[Friday] was tough. This season has seen many superstars and key players suffer injuries, but this one felt different. Walking around the clubhouse today, I realized the impact of losing such a key player, and everyone understands that responsibility.”

Holmes was placed on the 15-day injured list on Saturday, having started nine games this season with a notable 2.39 ERA.

He becomes the second Mets starter to hit the injured list early this season, following Kodai Senga.

In response, the Mets have brought back reliever Joey Garber to take Holmes’ spot on the roster. Yet, they still need a starting pitcher for their game against Washington on Wednesday. Potential candidates are Zach Thornton, Jack Wenninger, and Jonah Tong from Triple-A Syracuse.

Internally, the Mets might also cultivate Tobias Myers, who has proven to be a valuable asset in the bullpen. Mendoza acknowledged Myers as a possibility, noting his versatility makes him a challenging player to remove from the bullpen, whether in long relief, starting, or closing games.

Thornton, a right-handed pitcher, recently recorded his first major league save during the Mets’ last game. He caught the attention of Mets officials during spring training, starting seven games for Syracuse and finishing with a commendable 3.16 ERA. In his latest outing on Friday, he pitched six shutout innings, neatly stepping in for Holmes.

Coach Mendoza also mentioned that Chiga, sidelined for three weeks due to lumbar spondylitis, will begin batting practice in Port St. Lucie. Meanwhile, Sean Manaea, previously moved to the bullpen, is also being considered as an option.

The Mets will undoubtedly miss not just Holmes’ skills on the mound, but his presence as a veteran leader in the clubhouse.

When asked why losing Holmes feels different from other injuries, Mendoza explained, “It’s a combination of things. It’s not just about the injury; it’s about what Clay means to this team, both on and off the field, as a player, person, and leader. That’s what makes this loss feel so significant.”