The Subway Series started with a devastating blow for the Mets. Not only did they fall 5-2 to the Yankees, but their ace Clay Holmes suffered a nasty injury; Yankee Scores has the injury analysis.
Mets’ tough season continued on Friday night after a devastating loss to the Yankees in the first game of the Subway Series, which ended 5-2.
Mets starting pitcher Clay Holmes was the team’s one positive story during an otherwise tough season, but he suffered a broken right fibula when a line drive came back off the bat of Spencer Jones at 111.1 mph.
“He’s going to be down a long time,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said.
A Gritty, Pain-Defying Final Performance
Mendoza, along with team trainer, and catcher Luis Torrens, went over to check on Holmes following the comebacker and found no indications of any pain or discomfort in him, allowing him to remain in the game.
After a walk and an infield hit, he managed to work his way out of a bases-loaded situation after getting a flyout from Aaron Judge. He came back out in the fifth inning, where he faced two batters, struck out Cody Bellinger, walked Jazz Chisholm Jr., and was taken out with 95 pitches.
He ended up striking out eight batters, which is the most he has done all season long, while throwing a season-low 4⅓ innings. His ERA is now sitting at 2.39, making him the best in the team, and only 14 pitchers who qualify for the ERA lead in the major leagues have a better ERA than him.
“It’s a huge blow,” Mendoza said. “Being one of the most consistent guys that we had in that rotation. It’s a big blow.”
Friday marked the first time Holmes, a former All-Star reliever for the Yankees, faced his ex-club since signing a three-year contract with the Mets to become a starter before last season.
The Storybook Rise Halted
“It’s tough, man. It’s tough,” Mets left fielder Juan Soto said. “Clay is a guy who shows up every day. He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever seen in my career. He’s working every time, every moment. If you take your eyes off, he’s going to be working. It’s unbelievable what [he’s done].
“But it’s really sad, what happened to him. But it’s part of the game. We’re going to support him. We’re going to be right there for him in any kind of way that he needs us. But it just sucks.”
What’s Next for the Mets?
Mendoza said the club hasn’t decided on Holmes’ replacement in the rotation. The options include veteran left-hander Sean Manea, who has served as a long reliever this season, and calling up a pitcher from the minors. Those choices include right-handers Jonah Tong and Jack Wenninger.
“I’m sorry,” Jones said when a reporter notified him of the news after the game. “He’s a friend of mine. We work out in Nashville together. So, that’s tough to hear.”
