Overview
- The Chicago Cubs acquired right-hander Clay Holmes from the New York Mets at the trade deadline and announced plans to use him in their rotation.
- Holmes has been sidelined since suffering a fractured right fibula on May 15 when he was struck by a comebacker, and he has not pitched since that injury.
- Manager Craig Counsell said the team will remove Holmes from the injured list and debut him Saturday in Kansas City if a bullpen outing goes well, making his availability conditional and still developing.
- Before the injury Holmes had a 4–4 record with a 2.39 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP in 2026 and had converted to a starting role in 2025, giving the Cubs an experienced, controllable starter once healthy.
- Holmes posted a farewell to Mets fans on social media after the trade and Chicago’s deadline moves also included additions such as Kevin Gausman, signaling a clear push to bolster starting pitching for the playoff race.