Photo: Ishika Samant / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
The New York Mets will be without starting pitcher Clay Holmes for an extended period after he fractured his fibula during a 5-2 loss to the New York Yankees on Friday (May 15). The injury occurred in the fourth inning when Holmes was struck by a 111.1 mph comebacker off the bat of rookie Spencer Jones.
Despite the injury, Holmes continued to pitch into the fifth inning, facing seven more batters before exiting. Initially, the team reported a tibia fracture, but later clarified it was his fibula. X-rays confirmed the fracture after the game.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza described the injury as "a huge blow" to the team, emphasizing Holmes' consistency in the rotation. Holmes, who has a 2.39 ERA this season, has been a key player for the Mets, leading the team with a 1.9 WAR. His absence adds to the Mets' challenges, as they are already dealing with injuries to several key players, including Kodai Senga and Francisco Lindor.
The Mets are exploring options to fill Holmes' spot in the rotation, considering veteran Sean Manaea and minor league prospects like Jonah Tong. The team's struggles continue, as they remain in last place in the National League East with an 18-26 record.