Mets pitcher Clay Holmes breaks leg in game on May 15 2026

Clay Holmes had a 1.86 earned run average, which was the best on the Mets team. This injury is a major loss for the team as they try to win more games.
By Newsroom | Sports, New York |

Broken Fibula Sidelines Key Player

Clay Holmes, a pitcher for the New York Mets, sustained a fractured fibula on Friday evening after being struck by a line drive hit at 111 miles per hour. The incident occurred during the fourth inning of a game against the New York Yankees.

WATCH: 111 MPH Baseball Breaks New York Mets Pitcher Clay Holmes' Leg - 1

Holmes's injury, a broken right fibula, is expected to keep him out of play for an extended period, significantly impacting the Mets' season. The severity of the break, particularly on his push-off leg, raises concerns about a complicated recovery process. Medical experts suggest bone healing can take over a month, with rehabilitation potentially longer.

WATCH: 111 MPH Baseball Breaks New York Mets Pitcher Clay Holmes' Leg - 2

Holmes had been a standout performer for the Mets this season. He, along with Nolan McLean, are the only Mets starters to pitch into the seventh inning, a feat Holmes accomplished three times. His 1.86 earned run average across eight starts was the lowest on the team. Furthermore, his 56 percent groundball rate places him among the top qualified starters in Major League Baseball.

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WATCH: 111 MPH Baseball Breaks New York Mets Pitcher Clay Holmes' Leg - 3

The Mets lost the game to the Yankees 5-2, ending their three-game winning streak and dropping their season record to 18-26. Holmes was charged with four runs and seven hits over 4 1/3 innings before exiting the game.

A Moment of Impact

The ball that struck Holmes was a combacker hit by Yankees batter Spencer Jones. Video footage captured the moment of impact. Despite being hit, Holmes initially remained in the game and even finished the inning before departing in the fifth. He reportedly told coaching staff he felt fine to continue, but discomfort later led to X-rays that confirmed the fracture.

Team Response and Season Outlook

The injury is considered a "huge blow" to the Mets, who had aspirations of contending this season after narrowly missing the playoffs last year. Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed concern over Holmes's absence. The team has placed Holmes on the 15-day injured list. Potential replacements for Holmes's turns in the rotation may include Sean Manaea, who is currently filling a long relief role and has struggled this season.

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Background

The Mets and Yankees are engaged in a "Subway Series" matchup, a traditional rivalry between New York's two Major League Baseball teams. Holmes's injury adds to the team's recent struggles, following a loss that marked the end of a short winning streak. His performance had been a bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent season for the Mets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did New York Mets pitcher Clay Holmes break his leg on May 15, 2026?
Clay Holmes was hit by a ball traveling at 111 miles per hour during a game against the New York Yankees. The ball hit his right leg, causing a fracture to his fibula.
Q: How long will Clay Holmes be out of the Mets lineup?
The team has placed him on the 15-day injured list, but his recovery from a broken bone will likely take much longer. Medical experts say bone healing usually takes over a month, followed by more time for rehabilitation.
Q: Who will replace Clay Holmes in the Mets pitching rotation?
Manager Carlos Mendoza may use Sean Manaea to take over for Holmes. Manaea currently works as a long relief pitcher for the team.
Q: Why is the injury to Clay Holmes a big problem for the Mets?
Holmes was the team's best pitcher this season with a 1.86 earned run average. Losing their top starter makes it harder for the Mets to win games as they try to improve their 18-26 record.