Mets' frustrating losses to Padres intensify, highlighting the need for improvements in Clay Holmes' performance
In a series against the San Diego Padres, Clay Holmes, the converted reliever who has been a success story for much of the season's first half, faced some challenges. On Wednesday, Holmes had his shortest start of the season, failing to complete the fourth inning in a game against the Padres.
Holmes allowed four runs, two of which were unearned, on eight hits, two walks, and two hit batters over 3 2/3 innings. The inning that proved to be his undoing began with a single to Martín Maldonado and drilling Fernando Tatis Jr., walking Luis Arraez to load the bases. Francisco Lindor's throwing error led to two unearned runs for the Padres in the third inning.
Despite these struggles, Holmes has managed to maintain his starting role. The Mets’ bullpen, bolstered by the recent acquisition of Tyler Rogers from the Giants, has been effective in relief. Gregory Soto and Edwin Díaz have been particularly impressive. There is no indication from recent reports that the Mets plan to transition Holmes to a bullpen role.
Holmes' recent results as a starter have raised questions about his role, with the team considering a trade or giving a top prospect a chance. However, the Mets are likely to stick with Holmes, given his consistent outings of at least six innings, which have helped stabilize the starting rotation.
The Mets' offensive performance in the game was lacklustre, with only three hits recorded against the Padres. The team managed to score only one run in the final two games of the series combined. Ronny Mauricio delivered a two-out single in the fifth inning, the Mets' only other base runner of the game.
Meanwhile, Manny Machado of the Padres had a strong performance, stroking a two-run single to put the Mets in a 2-0 hole in the second inning. Jose Iglesias hit a two-run homer in the third inning, extending the Padres' lead to 4-0.
In a positive note, Darvish, the Padres' pitcher, had an impressive outing, striking out seven batters over seven shutout innings and allowing only two hits to the Mets.
Juan Soto, a player for the Mets, did not play in the game due to a left foot contusion from a foul ball in the previous game. Mark Vientos was the only Mets player to get a hit in the first inning.
Rico Garcia, another Mets pitcher, allowed a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning, his first run allowed in his six appearances with the team. Reed Garrett entered the game in the fourth inning and retired Iglesias to end the inning.
Holmes surrendered a two-out single to Xander Bogaerts and plunked Jake Cronenworth in the fourth inning, ending his outing. Despite these challenges, Holmes remains a valuable asset to the Mets, contributing significantly to their push toward the playoffs.
Despite Holmes' recent challenges on the mound, the Mets are likely to stick with him as a starter, considering his consistent outings and their push towards the playoffs. However, Holmes' performance in the game against the Padres, which saw him allow four runs, including two unearned ones, has raised questions about his effectiveness in media sports like baseball, particularly in the highly competitive MLB.
