Clay Holmes, the Mets' ace right-hander, is making steady progress in his recovery from a fractured right fibula suffered on May 15th. The 29-year-old pitcher recently engaged in a simulated batting practice session with second baseman Marcus Semien, a positive step towards his return to the mound. This session, held on Friday, saw Holmes throw 40 pitches, indicating his growing confidence and physical readiness.
Holmes' injury has been a significant setback, as he was New York's best pitcher before the injury, boasting a 4-4 record and a 2.39 ERA in nine starts. His bWAR of 1.9, tied for second on the team, further underscores his importance to the Mets' pitching staff. The pitcher himself expressed eagerness to return to the lineup, stating, 'You want to be healthy, just be in it with the guys. It’s tough being out. … I look forward to being healthy here soon.'
The simulated session with Semien was a crucial part of Holmes' rehabilitation process. It provided a realistic glimpse into his pitching abilities and allowed him to gauge his progress. Interim manager Andy Green was impressed, noting, 'It looked like Clay, which is really good. His stuff was moving all over the place. It was great to see him on the mound.'
Semien, who has been on the injured list due to a left hip flexor strain, also participated in live batting practice without any issues. This positive development suggests that both players are on the cusp of returning to action, with Semien's next step potentially involving a rehab assignment. The Mets' fans eagerly await the return of their star pitchers, hoping to see them regain their form and contribute to the team's success.
The road to recovery for Holmes and Semien is a testament to the resilience and determination of athletes. As they continue to push through their rehabilitation, the Mets organization and their fans can only hope for a swift and successful return to the field, reinforcing the team's pitching depth and offensive capabilities.
