Mets pitcher Clay Holmes out for months with broken leg

Mets pitcher Clay Holmes will be out for 6-8 weeks with a broken leg. This is a big blow after he was their best pitcher.
By Newsroom | Sports, Baseball |

Pitcher Sidelined for Months, Forcing Difficult Decisions

Clay Holmes, a standout pitcher for the New York Mets, has fractured his right fibula, an injury expected to keep him out of action for a significant period, potentially spanning "weeks, and maybe months." This development, confirmed by X-rays and subsequent MRIs, plunges the Mets into a difficult position, amplifying their existing injury concerns. The team was relying heavily on Holmes, who had been their most effective starting pitcher this season, boasting a 1.86 earned run average (ERA) and contributing to the Mets' relatively few wins when he pitched (5-3).

Clay Holmes: An injury that could cost him dearly - 1

Road Ahead Uncertain, Replacements Scrutinized

Manager Carlos Mendoza has declined to offer a precise return timetable, but the bone is anticipated to require 6-8 weeks to heal. This timeline suggests a return in late August or into September, impacting the team's late-season push. The absence of Holmes, alongside other key players like Francisco Lindor, Francisco Alvarez, Jorge Polanco, and Luis Robert Jr., as well as pitchers Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea (though Manaea's availability as a starter is being re-evaluated), strains the team's depth.

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Clay Holmes: An injury that could cost him dearly - 2

Examining Potential Replacements

The Mets are reportedly considering internal options to fill the void, with prospect Jack Wenninger emerging as a primary candidate for the fifth rotation spot. Wenninger, the Mets' fifth-ranked prospect, has shown promise in Triple-A Syracuse with a notable scoreless streak. However, his statistics also reveal a tendency for walks (5.7 per nine innings) and a less-than-stellar ERA (5.68). Another potential name is Zach Thornton, though details on his readiness are less clear. The performance of Tong, another minor league pitcher, has been inconsistent, marked by a recent outing where he surrendered seven runs in just five outs.

Holmes's Previous Injury History

This is not the first time Holmes has faced a significant leg injury. He suffered a similar fracture in 2020, a fact he acknowledged after the latest incident, stating, "I wasn't too surprised with the X-rays." Despite the setback, Holmes has managed a 4-4 record with a 2.39 ERA this season, showcasing resilience. The injury occurred during a game against his former team, the Yankees, when a line drive caromed off him, leading to his removal from the game.

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Background: Mets' Season Marred by Injuries

The Mets' season has been punctuated by a string of injuries to crucial personnel. Holmes's broken leg adds to an already lengthy list, creating a narrative of a team battling constant adversity. The club's ability to navigate these challenges and maintain competitiveness will be closely watched as the season progresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Mets pitcher Clay Holmes out for a long time?
Clay Holmes fractured his right fibula and will be out for about 6-8 weeks. This means he will likely miss games until late August or September.
Q: How does Clay Holmes's injury affect the Mets?
Holmes was the Mets' best pitcher this year with a low ERA. His absence puts more pressure on the team, especially with other players also injured.
Q: Who might replace Clay Holmes in the Mets' pitching rotation?
The Mets might use minor league pitcher Jack Wenninger, who is a promising prospect. Other pitchers like Zach Thornton or Tong are also being looked at, but their performance has been mixed.
Q: Has Clay Holmes had leg injuries before?
Yes, Clay Holmes had a similar broken bone in his leg in 2020. He said he was not very surprised when he found out about the new injury.
Q: When did Clay Holmes get injured?
Clay Holmes got injured during a game against the Yankees when a ball hit his leg. The injury will keep him out for the rest of the summer and possibly into the fall.