Clay Holmes hadn’t started a game since 2019, but he took the mound from the start in his first game with the New York Mets and did so brilliantly. It was a strong message to the entire New York Yankees management who refused to put him in the starting lineup.
Clay Holmes used to be the closer with the New York Yankees, but his effectiveness as a starter gives the Mets a lot of hope and also something that opponents never expect. His debut was extraordinary against the Houston Astros, who couldn’t even touch him for three innings. Holmes struck out three batters and required just 34 pitches to earn the 6-2 win in the Spring Training opener
The New York Yankees’ refusal to put him in the starting lineup
Now the New York Mets starter waited more than five years for this opportunity, a situation that left him unhappy when the Bronx Bombers refused to put him in the starting lineup and only used him as a reliever and mainly as a closer, but in games where there was more than a three or four run lead.
Before 2018, he had some experience as a starter. It was not a new subject for Clay Holmes. For the specialized media, the pitcher came with a fresh change to the fastballs that have been thrown previously.
He generated a unique repertoire of pitches between a fastball, a slider and a curveball. This has given a glimmer of hope to the entire New York Mets community, who are eager to see him play as a starter. His pitches and his ability to influence high-speed pitches were visible on the radar.
It was certainly a strong message to all the teams that were looking to sign him, perhaps. While all eyes are on Holmes, who continues to make his mark on MLB, it’s only a matter of time before he gets it. His performance was quite pleasing to the eyes of the fans.
The question being asked in the New York metropolitan area is can Clay Holmes become a great starter? The truth is that preseason games are very different from official games and even more so when autumn approaches, which is when pitchers should be consolidated to face the playoffs and of course the World Series.
At least, Clay Holmes started off on the right foot. Will he continue in the same way?
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