Mets Pitcher Clay Holmes Expects Fractured Leg to Sideline Him for Months

Clay Holmes left Friday’s game in the top of the fifth inning after being struck by a 111-mph line drive. He said he recognized the injury immediately because he had suffered a similar fracture while with the Pirates in 2020. Holmes stood in the Mets clubhouse Sunday wearing a boot on his right leg. X-rays confirmed the fractured fibula, and he said he has been told surgery is unlikely.

Holmes said a typical recovery for the fracture lasts four to six weeks, after which he will need additional time to regain strength. He described the timing as difficult because he had felt physically ready before the injury. The right-hander called the incident a “freak accident” outside his control. He added that staying healthy remains challenging in the sport.

The Mets have already placed several players on the injured list this season, including Juan Soto with a strained calf and Francisco Lindor with a similar issue. , Francisco Alvarez and Kodai Senga. Holmes said the team’s depth will be tested by the accumulated injuries.

He expressed belief in the remaining players and noted that every team faces some level of adversity. Christian Scott is scheduled to start Monday in Washington, with Nolan McLean set to pitch either Tuesday or Wednesday.