Clay Holmes began the season well as a Mets starter, posting a 3.13 ERA and an 8-4 record from March through June. Since July 1, his ERA rose to 5.09, revealing fatigue and insufficient arm strength for a full-season starting workload. Holmes has a history as an elite reliever, making a transition back to the bullpen more feasible than for typical starters. The Mets have depth at Triple-A, including Brandon Sproat and prospect Jonah Tong, who could serve as short-term starting replacements. Nolan McLean's recent strong major-league debut highlights the improved farm system and available pitching options.
Since July 1, his ERA has ballooned to 5.09. From the start, many wondered if he would be able to hold up over an entire season. His late-season decline shows he still needs to build his arm strength. However, fortunately for New York, he was once an elite reliever, and he can make the transition back far easier than most starting pitchers.
Mets fans got a jolt of excitement last week when highly touted prospect Nolan McLean made his big league debut against the Mariners. He went into the sixth inning and struck out eight en route to a victory against a good Seattle order. New York has done a lot of work to improve their farm system over the last few years, and the fruits of those labors are blooming.
Some were surprised when the Mets decided to sign former Yankees closer Holmes and move him from the bullpen into their starting rotation. However, switching relievers into starting pitchers has been a growing trend in recent years. And several teams have gotten strong results from the switch. Including the White Sox with Garrett Crochet and the Padres with Michael King.
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