Clay Holmes Shines in Mets Debut with Perfect Three-Inning Start

The former Yankees reliever transitions to starting pitcher, showcasing an expanded pitch arsenal during a spring training opener against the Astros.

Clay Holmes pitched three perfect innings in his Mets debut during a 6-2 spring training victory over the Astros.
Holmes, who signed a three-year, $38 million contract with the Mets, is transitioning from a reliever to a starting pitcher for the first time since 2019.
He introduced a changeup to his repertoire, throwing it seven times and earning praise from teammates and coaches for its effectiveness.
Holmes utilized all six of his pitches, demonstrating efficiency by throwing 34 pitches over three innings and an additional 15 in the bullpen.
The Mets drew a sold-out crowd of 7,394 for their exhibition opener in Port St. Lucie, the second-largest attendance for a spring training opener at the venue.