Port St. Lucy – Clay Holmes is set to begin the opening day of Grapefruitregue Season.
The Mets' right-hander, who has been extended as a starter after spending most of his career in the bullpen, is due for three UPS (meaning he will pitch at least three innings) against the Astros at Clover Park on Saturday It's been done. Mendoza.
Holmes said he would probably close out about 50 pitches.
Holmes arrived at the Mets Complex for training more than a month ago, ahead of the other pitchers he transitions from bailouts.
“I feel like I'm in a really great place right now, I'm in a good position to really gain experience and develop,” Holmes said Wednesday.
Holmes said that it's Ahrelief that has been following this early in the camp.
“It alleviates some of that in your mind you don't need to add to each ton [start]Holmes said. “You don't feel like there are two starts left, and you have to [increase] Up to 30 or 40 pitches. ”
The Mets will need to cover 18 innings on a split squad schedule on Sunday, and may use minor league pitchers in both games, according to Mendoza.
Edwin Diaz threw innings during a live batting practice session that included many of the Mets regulars – Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor Among them is Brandon Nemo.
The Mets hit 96 mph with their guns and also worked on throwing to the base. Diaz was 496th in MLB's 497 pitchers on net basis last season.
Mendoza said control over the running game will put a big emphasis on camp for all pitchers.
“especially [Díaz]that's no secret,” Mendoza said. “Controlling the running game makes the plate a little faster. These are some of the things he was working on.”
The team says tickets for the standing room remain for the opening game of the Mets exhibition on Saturday.
