The New York Mets are facing a significant setback with Clay Holmes out of action for an extended period. Manager Carlos Mendoza disclosed that the right-handed pitcher fractured his fibula during Friday’s 5-2 defeat against the New York Yankees.
The injury occurred when Holmes was hit on the lower leg by a 111.1 mph line drive from Yankees rookie Spencer Jones in the fourth inning. Holmes attempted to continue playing but exited in the fifth inning after conceding four runs on seven hits over 4 1/3 innings.
Mendoza’s comments suggest Holmes will be sidelined for several weeks, if not longer, dealing a major blow to the Mets’ dwindling hopes for the 2026 season. At 33, Holmes has been a standout, boasting a 2.39 ERA over nine starts and 52 2/3 innings. Before Friday’s game, his 1.9 WAR was the highest on the team.
With Holmes heading to the injured list, he joins an unfortunate group of sidelined Mets starters, including Kodai Senga (spine inflammation), Tylor Megill (recovering from Tommy John surgery in September 2025), and Justin Hagenman (rib fracture). The Mets might call upon Sean Manaea, currently in a long relief role, despite his struggles this season. Another option is prospect Jonah Tong, who had five starts last season but has been underwhelming at Triple-A Syracuse in 2026.
The loss on Friday snapped the Mets’ three-game winning streak, dropping their record to 18-26 and keeping them anchored at the bottom of the National League East. The Mets entered the season with playoff aspirations after narrowly missing out the previous year. However, they have been one of MLB’s biggest disappointments so far, and losing a key player like Holmes further diminishes their chance of a resurgence in the standings.
As for the Mets, the Friday loss ended their three-game winning streak and dropped them to 18-26 on the season. They remain in last place in the National League East. The Mets aimed to contend this season after narrowly missing the playoffs last year. Thus far, though, they’ve been one of MLB’s most disappointing teams, and the loss of a key contributor like Holmes only makes their odds of mounting a comeback in the standings even longer.
