Mets Pitcher Clay Holmes Sidelined with Fractured Fibula

After leaving Friday’s game in the top of the fifth inning, Clay Holmes suspected he had sustained a serious injury, recalling a similar incident from his time with the Pirates in 2020.

“I wasn’t really surprised when the X-rays showed that,” Holmes remarked on Sunday, wearing a boot on his right foot while in the Mets’ clubhouse. The right-handed pitcher is set to miss several months due to a fractured fibula, an injury he sustained while facing 111 mph pitcher Spencer Jones, who had just joined the team.

Holmes noted that how quickly he returns primarily hinges on the healing speed of his bone. Surgery isn’t deemed necessary at this stage, and fractures typically require about four to six weeks for healing, followed by reconstruction.

“From a personal standpoint, it’s tough because I felt like my body and arms were in a good place. But you know, staying healthy in this game is really hard,” Holmes shared. “A freak accident that you can’t control can be a big deal.”

This injury comes during a challenging season for the Mets. “We didn’t get off to the start we wanted. When you see the guys fight through it and come together, you want to fight with everyone,” he mentioned, expressing his concern about being on the sidelines.

Adding to the team’s struggles, the Mets have already lost Juan Soto to the injured list with a calf strain. They’re dealing with further injuries, including those of Francisco Lindor, Jorge Polanco (Achilles tendon), Luis Robert Jr. (back), Francisco Alvarez (knee), and Kodai Senga (lumbar spondylitis) who also has a calf strain.

Losing Holmes is particularly impactful given his strong performance amid a rotation plagued by inconsistency. The Mets are set to start Christian Scott on Monday in Washington, while Nolan McLean is scheduled for either Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on Scott’s performance.

Reflecting on the adversity faced this season, Holmes stated, “I think every team has some ability, but they’ve been through it. When you pile on all at once, it’s tough. It’s going to test your depth… We’re going to see what we have right now. I believe in the players we have here.”