Clay Holmes, the New York Mets starting pitcher, fractured his right fibula after being struck by a 111 mph comebacker off the bat of Yankees rookie Spencer Jones in the fourth inning of their May 16 game at Yankee Stadium [1, 2]. Holmes remained in the game until the fifth inning before being replaced by the Mets despite the injury [1, 2].
Holmes threw a total of 95 pitches during the game, including 26 after being hit. He struck out eight batters while allowing four runs and seven hits over 4 1/3 innings [2]. The Mets lost the game 5-2 to the Yankees, falling to 18-26 and last place in the National League East standings [1].
Prior to the injury, Holmes had been a key figure in the Mets rotation. He led the team with a 2.39 ERA through nine starts and 52 2/3 innings pitched, ranking third in the National League in ERA entering the game [1, 2]. He signed a three-year, $38 million contract with the Mets after transitioning from reliever with the Yankees to starter in the 2025 offseason [2].
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Holmes will be sidelined "for a long time," likely weeks or months. Mendoza called it "a huge blow," noting Holmes had been one of the team's most consistent pitchers [2]. Mendoza recalled, "He was fine, we checked him, finished the inning, he goes back out because he feels good. And then the last pitch, something didn’t look right" [2].
The Mets face compounded rotation troubles with several other starters on the injured list, including Kodai Senga (spine inflammation), Tylor Megill (Tommy John surgery), and Justin Hagenman (rib fracture) [1].
Yankees rookie Spencer Jones expressed concern after the incident: "It’s tough to hear. I hit the ball and then I saw it" [2].
The next step for Holmes will be surgery and rehabilitation, with no timetable given for return to play. The Mets will need to adjust their pitching staff amid multiple injuries to key starters as the season continues.
