WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — In his first spring start since being selected as the Mets' opening day starter, Clay Holmes looked for a part in the 4¹/₃ innings on Saturday in a 4-1 defeat at Cactus Park in Palm Beach.
For the first time in his new role, the right-hander said he managed to get through fatigue in the second half of the start as he achieved 77 pitches with the goal of being around 90 by the start of the season.
He could pitch in his final day's rest at Grapefruitreug leading up to his March 27 mission in Houston.
“It was good to feel that,” Holmes said of the additional workload. “It was good to pitch through it and see how your arms and legs felt. Once everyone is over 70 pitches, you have to make a pitch. The batters look at you, you're a bit tired, but those pitches are important.”
This is the next step in the former relief process, where the transition to a rotation with the Mets has been so far unfair.
“It's all new to him, especially when he gets to that territory,” said Carlos Mendoza's manager of additional workloads. “That's something he has to get used to. …I find a way to make a pitch to get people out. He feels ready to handle it.”
Jesse Winker started on the left field as the Mets were looking for depth on that side of the roster. In particular, Brandonnimo is still restricted by pain in the right knee.
Mendoza said that after starting in both outfield spots for both Washington and the Mets last season, Turnooker is “preparing” to play in the outfield during the regular season.
“We'll see how it unfolds,” Mendoza said of whether Winker will be used there again after adding Juan Soto to right field and defensive expert Jose Ciri.
Turn signals are certainly required by DH against right-handed players, as left-handed turn signals can platoon with Sterling Marte.
Mendoza said it should change before the end of spring training, but perhaps on Wednesday, Marte is still back from knee pain, but hasn't defended yet.
“The goal is to take him outfield before we destroy the camp,” the manager said. “He continues to feel better.”
Before the match, Mendoza said, asking if something was “new.” “There's nothing new. That's a good thing.”
That meant there were no additional injuries reported during camp.
At least so far, the Mets have gained encouragement from a single pitcher who has dealt with a significant portion of his injuries in recent years, as Edwin Diaz hit 97 miles for the “feels good” during a minor league game at Port St. Lucie. Ryne Stanek and left-handed Danny Young also appeared in the game.
Mendoza also said Kodai Senga was feeling better following the start of Friday night and took the season a solid step closer.
Mark Vientos was not one of the players traveling to play the Nationals on Saturday, a dramaless camp for players who appeared as an important part of last season's lineup.
Mendoza said Viento is “mature” from a baseball perspective than this point a year ago.
“Last year he was competing and fighting. [for a spot]'' Mendoza said. “As a player, it feels better to know that you're on the team and you can work on the offensive, defense, the basics. That's what he's doing now.”
And it's rewarding.
“I see a comfortable guy,” the manager said. “He's been successful in the regular season and the playoffs, and that means a lot.”
