Pitcher Clay Holmes reached a new personal milestone by throwing over 100 pitches for the first time in his Major League Baseball career during the New York Mets’ walk-off 2-1 win against the Chicago White Sox. Holmes completed 5 2/3 innings with a total of 101 pitches, marking a significant moment in his transition as a starter this season.
Strong Performance Highlights Holmes’ Consistency
Throughout the game, Holmes allowed four hits and one earned run while recording three strikeouts and three walks. His ability to handle an increased workload stands out, especially considering this is his first full season as a starter. Holmes has now pitched 60.1 innings across 11 starts, nearly matching the total innings he threw in all of 2024 as a reliever.
Transition from Reliever to Starter Proves Effective
Previously, Holmes threw 63 innings in 2024 with bullpen duties and posted similar inning totals in 2022 and 2023 with the Yankees. Now with the Mets, he has adapted well to starting, maintaining a solid 5–3 record with a 2.98 ERA. His WHIP stands at 1.24, supported by a .219 opponent batting average, illustrating his effectiveness against hitters.
Statistical Insights Reflect Holmes’ Pitching Quality
Data from Baseball Savant shows Holmes has a 7.2% barrel rate and a 42.8% hard-hit rate, indicating that while some hard contact is allowed, it remains at a moderate level. This balance helps explain his strong run prevention and consistency on the mound.
Future Outlook Points to Career-High Workload and Impact
Holmes’ next starts are expected to push his innings total beyond his previous MLB career highs. He had thrown 136.1 innings in Double-A back in 2016, but this season he is on pace to surpass 170 innings, marking a new personal best. His progress reflects not only enhanced stamina but also his successful shift from bullpen roles to a starting position.
It was nice to eclipse the 100-pitch mark for the first time,
Holmes told reporters after the win.
This milestone is a significant development for Holmes and the Mets, highlighting his evolving role and the team’s growing confidence in his ability to handle extended outings. As he continues to build on this momentum, Holmes looks poised to make a lasting impact in the starting rotation.