Clay Holmes Injury Update, Latest News on Mets Star's Status After Being Hit By Pitch vs. Yankees

An already-difficult season for the New York Mets got worse on Friday with Clay Holmes suffering a leg injury during his start against the New York Yankees.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters after his team's 5-2 loss that Holmes will be out for "a long time" due to a fractured fibula.

The injury occurred in the top of the fourth when Yankees DH Spencer Jones hit a 111-mph liner off Holmes' right leg.

Holmes was able to stay in the game, pitching into the fifth inning before being replaced by Austin Warren. He didn't allow a run in the seven batters he faced after being hit by the comebacker.

The Mets were already down one starter in their rotation with Kodai Senga on the injured list due to what the team described as lumbar spine inflammation. He was able to throw a bullpen session on Wednesday, though there's no indication on when he will be activated.

Even with Nolan McLean having a breakout season as a rookie, it can be argued Holmes has been the best pitcher for the Mets to start 2026. He entered play on Friday ranked third in the NL with a 1.86 ERA in 48.1 innings.

McLean and Freddy Peralta are still in the rotation, so the Mets have two quality frontline starters. Holmes' absence will put more pressure on someone else to step up.

David Peterson could slot back into the rotation after pitching in long relief recently, though his 5.49 ERA might make it difficult for Mendoza to fully trust him in a starting role right now.

Jonah Tong, the Mets' top pitching prospect, would have been an obvious call-up candidate if he got off to a hot start in the minors. Unfortunately, the right-hander has a 5.68 ERA in nine starts at Triple-A.

Jack Wenninger, a sixth-round pick in 2023, has a 1.08 ERA in seven Triple-A starts.

Regardless of who the Mets call on to take Holmes' spot, this is a huge blow as they look to turn their season around. Friday's loss dropped them to 18-26, one game ahead of the Colorado Rockies for last place in the NL.