Clay Holmes’ start with the Mets has been pretty good, proving that he will be a key piece from day one. This Spring we see a Holmes who adapts to everything the Mets are looking for
It’s not just about filling a gap with the ‘Big Apple’ franchise, but he’s exceeding expectations, as one would think he was a viable and decent option in the absence of Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas.
That $38 million, three-year contract is certainly paying off so far, but let’s not forget that this is just the beginning and there is a whole season ahead for the Mets, a campaign in which they are hungry for revenge and want to achieve important things with important arrivals such as Juan Soto
Clay Holmes feels he’s at the peak of his career
“Physically, I was in really good shape. But, man, six up feels like you’re pitching forever. It’s just a mental thing,”Holmes said after the Mets game
“I haven’t been this excited for a season in a long time, to face the next day,” said Clay. “I just think it’s given me some excitement, something to look forward to, and it’s going to be a fun year.”
Holmes will return to the mound in a game that does count: the season opener on Thursday in Houston.
Holmes faces one of his greatest challenges
Adapting to facing lineups more than once was the main obstacle for Holmes, who went from dominating in short relief to needing a more complete strategy.
After working for two months, he joined the camp in January and followed the Mets development plan, managing to pitch up to three innings before the start of training
“We had everything well organized,” said Holmes, happy with his evolution. That progress led manager Carlos Mendoza to name him the starter for Opening Day, making him the fifth to fill that role in five seasons
Carlos values his work in pre-season, but must maintain that pace: “It’s been very good, but now he has to carry it into the season”.
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