A Fresh Start for Clay Holmes
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL. — For Clay Holmes, the journey to the Mets’ spring training ballpark on Saturday was filled with a blend of excitement and nostalgia. It wasn’t just another day at the office; it was his first start with the Mets and his first since his rookie season in 2018. Holmes, who signed a three-year deal with the team this offseason, is tasked with the significant role of transitioning from a reliever to a starting pitcher. Despite the pressure, he managed to make a memorable debut, navigating through a young and talented Astros lineup seamlessly.
A Smooth Performance
During the Grapefruit League opener, Holmes demonstrated his command and poise by inducing four groundouts and striking out three batters over three perfect innings. His performance was a testament to the meticulous preparation and the support he’s received since joining the Mets. Reflecting on the day, Holmes shared, "This was the most excited I’ve been to pitch. New team, first start in a real game in a while. A lot of things have happened in between, just reflecting on that and realizing the opportunity I have and who I’m doing it with. It was an exciting day. I definitely felt it coming to the park. I tried to sit in the dugout before I ran out just to see all the new players and the energy that’s here. Just realizing I get to run out in the first inning and the opportunity I have with this team, it made it a special day for sure."
Embracing the New Chapter
Holmes’ transition from the bullpen to the starting rotation is a significant one, and he seems to be embracing the challenge with enthusiasm. The right-hander’s performance on Saturday was a strong indicator that he is well-prepared for this role. His ability to stay calm and focused, even in a high-pressure situation, bodes well for his future starts. The Mets’ coaching staff and teammates have been instrumental in helping him adjust, and the positive energy in the clubhouse has only added to his motivation.
A New Tool in the Arsenal
Working with catcher Francisco Alvarez for the first time, Holmes showcased his full range of pitches, including a new kick-changeup. This pitch, which he believes can be a versatile weapon, was particularly effective against left-handed batters. "Obviously it’s going to be a weapon against lefties," Holmes explained. "But I think it’ll also help me protect my sinker. It’ll be more of a speed gap between my sinker and changeup that are going down and away from lefties — opening more room for the cutter and four-seam. It’s really just to expand the arsenal and have a few different looks."
Positive Feedback from the Bench
Carlos Mendoza, who has been working closely with Holmes during spring training, wasn’t surprised by the effectiveness of the new pitch. "That’s what we’ve seen so far from him," Mendoza said. "In bullpen sessions and live BP, that’s the feedback we’ve been getting from the hitters. I went up to some of them and asked what it was looking like and they said ‘That’s pretty nasty.’ It just comes down to him trusting that pitch in games and real competition when he needs to make a pitch to get out of an inning. He threw a few of them today, so that was definitely a good sign."
Looking Ahead
Holmes’ debut was a promising start to what could be a transformative season for him and the Mets. The team is optimistic about his potential and the impact he can have in the starting rotation. With his new changeup and the trust of his teammates, Holmes is poised to make a significant contribution to the Mets’ success. As the spring training continues, the focus will be on refining his skills and building confidence, ensuring that he is ready for the regular season and the challenges that lie ahead.
