Clay Holmes pitches three good innings in Mets’ debut as starter
PORT ST. LUCIE — The novelty of Clay Holmes’ state of affairs prolonged past pitching for the Mets for the primary time Saturday.
For the primary time since 2019 with the Pirates, he was a beginning pitcher.
Holmes’ Mets debut was a hit on all counts, beginning with the actual fact the Astros didn’t contact him for 3 innings.
Over these three good frames, Holmes struck out three and wanted solely 34 pitches within the Mets’ 6-2 exhibition win over the Astros. He later went to the bullpen and threw one other 15 to finish his afternoon of labor.
“A brand new group, the primary begin in an actual recreation shortly, I used to be simply reflecting on that and realizing the chance that I’ve and who I’m doing it with,” Holmes mentioned. “It was an thrilling day and it was particular. I undoubtedly felt it coming to the park as we speak.”
Holmes, who arrived on a three-year contract price $38 million following a profitable stint as a reliever with the Yankees, has labored on incorporating a changeup into his arsenal.
He threw the pitch seven occasions.
“I believe it’s going to be a weapon to lefties, however I believe actually it’s going to assist me defend my sinker,” Holmes mentioned. “There can be extra of a velocity hole between my sinker and changeup which can be taking place and away to a lefty and possibly open up extra room for a cutter or four-seam. Actually simply develop the arsenal and simply have a couple of completely different seems the place they don’t seem to be the identical velocity, the identical motion.”
Principally, he was environment friendly.
“I used to be simply feeling the vitality, feeling the adrenaline — placing the uniform on with a whole lot of guys, it felt good,” Holmes mentioned. “It’s good to get some floor balls and let the protection work.”
The attendance of seven,394 was the Mets’ second-largest for an opener in Port St. Lucie.
Ty Adcock is scheduled to face the Nationals in Port St. Lucie on Sunday.
A Mets split-squad will journey to Jupiter, Fla., with Max Kranick on the mound in opposition to the Marlins.
