Clay Holmes’ fibula fracture forced the New York Mets onto the 60‑day injured list on May 19, prompting the club to sign a veteran right‑hander who last appeared for Chicago in 2022. The front office announced the move Tuesday, opening a roster spot that can be used to add depth to a bullpen that has hovered around a 4.12 ERA this season.
The Mets’ bullpen has posted a 4.12 ERA and a 0.95 strikeout‑per‑inning rate through June, numbers that sit just above league average. Adding a pitcher with a 3.86 ERA in his limited 2022 stint gives the staff a chance to tighten those margins while Holmes rehabs.
Why the Mets turned to a former White Sox arm
According to Sporting News, the 31‑year‑old right‑hander logged six appearances for Chicago last year, striking out seven batters in 4.2 innings while posting a 3.86 ERA. His minor‑league contract will convert to a major‑league deal only if he makes the active roster, keeping the Mets’ luxury‑tax calculations intact. The veteran’s experience against big‑league lineups could help the Mets maintain a sub‑4.00 ERA in the second half.
Clay Holmes’ injury and the Mets’ bullpen outlook
Clay Holmes was struck on the shin by a comebacker off Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones during a routine at‑bat on May 17. The line drive shattered his fibula, sidelining the 28‑year‑old for an estimated 8‑12 weeks, which likely pushes his return into late July or early August. With Holmes out, the Mets will lean on Sean Severino, a left‑handed prospect currently in Triple‑A, and the newly signed right‑hander to stabilize a bullpen that recorded a 4.08 ERA in the month of May. The staff aims to keep the bullpen’s ERA+ above 100 while monitoring Holmes’ rehab progress.
Key Developments
- Holmes’ fractured fibula was diagnosed after the May 17 line drive, leading to his IL placement on May 19.
- The Mets added the former White Sox reliever under the 60‑day IL roster rule.
- The veteran posted a 3.86 ERA in six 2022 outings, striking out seven in 4.2 innings.
- Sean Severino is expected to receive a call‑up later in the season, offering a left‑handed option.
- The transaction is a minor‑league deal that will convert to a major‑league contract only if the pitcher makes the active roster.
Impact and what’s next for the New York Mets staff
With Holmes out for at least two months, the Mets will shuffle roles in the late innings. Manager Buck Showalter said the priority is to keep the bullpen’s ERA+ above league average while evaluating the new arm’s FIP, which should stay under 4.00 to avoid a trade‑deadline scramble. If the ex‑White Sox reliever can deliver consistent strikeout numbers, New York may forego a mid‑season acquisition and rely on internal depth.
How long is Clay Holmes expected to miss?
Holmes suffered a fractured fibula, an injury that typically requires 8‑12 weeks of recovery for pitchers, meaning he could return in late July or early August, according to the Mets medical staff.
What is the former White Sox reliever’s MLB track record?
In his 2022 stint, the 31‑year‑old appeared in six games, posting a 3.86 ERA with seven strikeouts over 4.2 innings, showing enough upside for a low‑risk call‑up.
Will Sean Severino be the Mets’ left‑handed option?
Severino, a southpaw on the Triple‑A roster, is projected to receive a promotion later in the season, providing a left‑handed lever for situational matchups while the bullpen adjusts to Holmes’ absence.
