Houston – Clay Holmes' first start since 2018 included a lot of navigation.
The right-hander was able to keep the Mets in Thursday's game in trouble in each of the last four innings he pitched, but that was sloppy.
Holmes was the pitcher who lost in a 3-1 loss to the Astros after allowing 5 hits to three runs (one bad luck) and four batters and four walks over 4²/₃ innings.
“I think the big thing was a walk,” Holmes said. “I gave them five free passes – walks and hit by pitch. My game limits slug and basically limits free passes.
Holmes finally started a regular season game with the Pirates.
He spent the past six seasons as a rescuer, mostly with the Yankees.
“He had a hard time finding a sinker,” coach Carlos Mendoza said. “But he kept making the pitch and got the ground ball when he needed them. …It's just one of those outings where the sinker wasn't there, especially for such a right-handed lineup.”
Holmes became the seventh pitcher to start the start date with the Mets' debut.
Roger Craig (1962), Don Cardwell (1967), Mike Hampton (2000), Tom Glavine (2003), Pedro Martinez (2005), and Johan Santana (2008) were others.
Tyrone Taylor scored a start at Jose Ciri's center field, but it wasn't an easy decision for Mendoza.
“I think I spent the last 10 days in spring training asking coaches like 'Siri or Taylor?',” Mendoza said. “I think it's back to the pitch package from [Framber] Valdes – Not only is he left-handed, but he also has the pitch, sinker, changes, curves, and how much he tracks. ”
Mendoza said the center field location will be “fluid.”
Taylor has finished day 4.
Alexander Canalio was designated for assignment following a strong show in the club's spring training.
The 24-year-old outfielder was out of minor league options and wasn't suited to him on his first day's roster.
“He has a really good camp and he has opened a lot of his eyes, so he has to give him a lot of credit, not just with the organization here, but with the other 29 teams,” Mendoza said. “He has the tools, he's young, but it wasn't easy.”
Another outfielder, Jose Azocar, was also assigned to the assignment.
Paul Blackburn (knee), Sean Manaea (dlant) and Frankie Montas (LAT Co.) have been placed on the 15-day injury list.
Francisco Alvarez (Fractured Hamate), Jeff McNeill (Absorbed), and Ronnie Mauricio (ACL Rehabilitation) were all placed in IL for 10 days.
