Clay Holmes to start Opening Day for Mets after ‘very encouraging’ spring

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PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets will turn to a new addition for the Opening Day pitching assignment.

Clay Holmes, according to manager Carlos Mendoza, will get the start for the March 27 opener in Houston.

The right-hander, who has transitioned this spring from reliever to starter, received the assignment over Kodai Senga and David Peterson.

Other possibilities for the rotation to begin the season include Griffin Canning, Paul Blackburn and Tylor Megill.

“(Holmes) earned it,” Mendoza said Friday at Clover Park. “We like what we are seeing — I know it is small sample size — but it’s very encouraging. He put himself in a good position. He showed up early in camp and he was ahead of everyone.”

Clay Holmes throws a pitch for the Mets during his spring training outing Feb. 27.
Clay Holmes throws a pitch for the Mets during his spring training outing Feb. 27. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post

Holmes, who arrived on a three-year contract worth $38 million, last started a regular season game with the Pirates in 2018.

Clay Holmes is pictured during his spring training outing Feb. 27.
Clay Holmes is pictured during his spring training outing Feb. 27. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post

Holmes became an All-Star reliever with the Yankees.

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