Mets Promote Zach Thornton to Major League Roster Amid Injury-Related Depth Calls The New York Mets officially promoted pitching prospect Zach Thornton to their active roster on May 20th, marking a significant move as the team navigates a challenging injury situation. The decision came after the Mets placed right-handed pitcher Clay Holmes on the 15-day injured list due to a fractured right fibula, which could sideline him into August. Thornton, a 24-year-old right-hander, will join the team as a potential spot starter or long reliever, with his role yet to be fully determined. The promotion follows a series of roster adjustments, including the option of Daniel Duarte and the recall of Nick Morabito, which cleared space for Thornton on the 40-man roster. Thornton, a fifth-round draft pick by the Mets in 2023, has emerged as a key prospect in the organization’s system. His 2025 season, cut short by an oblique injury, showcased his potential. Across High-A and Double-A levels, he pitched 72 2/3 innings, posting a 1.98 earned runs per nine innings ratio. His strikeout rate of 28.5% and walk rate of 4% highlighted his control and effectiveness, while his ground ball rate of 43.2% demonstrated his ability to limit extra-base hits. These numbers earned him recognition as one of the top prospects in the Mets’ system, with Baseball America ranking him 13th and FanGraphs placing him 12th in their respective rankings. Entering the 2026 season, Thornton’s stock has risen further. After five starts at Double-A and two at Triple-A, he has accumulated 37 innings with a 3.16 ERA, a 26.5% strikeout rate, and a 7.9% walk rate. His ground ball rate of 44.4% has remained consistent, reinforcing his value as a reliable pitcher.#new_york_mets #carlos_mendoza #baseball_america #clay_holmes #zach_thornton
Mets Face Tough Rotation Decisions After Clay Holmes' Season-Ending Injury Manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged the frustration within the New York Mets’ clubhouse after learning that starting pitcher Clay Holmes would miss significant time due to a fractured right fibula. The injury, sustained during a recent game, has forced the team to confront a critical challenge: replacing one of its most dominant starters. Mendoza declined to provide a specific timeline for Holmes’ return, but he emphasized that the bone will require 6-8 weeks to heal, followed by a full Spring Training-style buildup. This process could extend Holmes’ absence into August, leaving a gaping hole in the rotation. Holmes, the Mets’ standout pitcher over the first seven weeks of the season, had become a cornerstone of their success. His absence has created an urgent need for a replacement, with Mendoza stating that “everything’s on the table” in evaluating options. The team has already taken immediate action by recalling reliever Joey Gerber to fill Holmes’ roster spot. However, the long-term solution remains uncertain, as the Mets must decide whether to promote a young prospect, trade for a veteran, or rely on an existing bullpen member. The short-term plan involves inserting a new pitcher into the rotation as early as Tuesday or Wednesday. Among the primary candidates are Tobias Myers and Sean Manaea, both of whom have spent much of the season in the bullpen. Mendoza noted that both are “in the conversation” for the upcoming start in Washington, though neither presents an ideal solution. Myers, a versatile reliever with a career ERA of 2.44 in relief compared to 3.43 as a starter, has proven valuable as an opener and leverage reliever. However, converting him to a starter would mean sacrificing a key bullpen asset.#mets #carlos_mendoza #tobias_myers #clay_holmes #joey_gerber
Mets say Clay Holmes' Broken Leg Likely to Heal in Time for Late-Season Return The New York Mets confirmed on Friday night that pitcher Clay Holmes suffered a fractured right fibula during a game against the Yankees, with the injury occurring from a 111.1 mph comebacker hit by Yankees' Spencer Jones. The incident happened during the Mets' 5-2 loss, marking a significant setback for the team. Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed confidence that Holmes would be ready to return for the final two months of the season, emphasizing the importance of the pitcher to the club’s rotation and overall dynamics. Holmes’ injury, which was diagnosed after an MRI confirmed the initial X-ray findings, requires six to eight weeks of recovery. Mendoza noted that the pitcher will undergo a spring training-style ramp-up, typically lasting about six weeks, before rejoining the team. The manager also revealed that the injury was confirmed during the seventh inning of the game, when rookie A.J. Ewing was at the plate with two outs and runners at second and third. Mendoza described the moment as emotionally challenging, stating, “I was like: ‘Oh my gosh.’” The 33-year-old right-hander, who signed a $38 million, three-year deal with the Mets before the 2025 season, has been a key contributor to the team’s rotation. Shifted from the bullpen to the starting rotation, Holmes has posted a 12-8 record with a 3.53 ERA since joining the Mets. This season, he is 4-4 with a 2.39 ERA, despite the team’s struggles in the NL East. The Mets, who began the season with baseball’s highest payroll, are currently last in the division at 18-26. Holmes’ injury adds to a list of key players on the injured list (IL), including shortstop Francisco Lindor, catcher Francisco Alvarez, first baseman Jorge Polanco, center fielder Luis Robert Jr.#new_york_mets #francisco_lindor #spencer_jones #carlos_mendoza #clay_holmes
Mets Pitcher Clay Holmes Suffers Broken Leg After 111 mph Line Drive The New York Mets’ starting rotation faced a significant setback on May 15, 2026, when pitcher Clay Holmes sustained a fractured right fibula after being struck by a line drive from New York Yankees designated hitter Spencer Jones. The injury occurred during a game at Citi Field, where the Mets suffered a 5-2 loss to the Yankees. Holmes, who had been a bright spot for the struggling team, will be sidelined for an extended period following the incident. The injury happened in the top of the fourth inning, with the Mets trailing 3-0. Jones hit a powerful 111 mph line drive off Holmes’ 94 mph sinker, which ricocheted off the pitcher’s right leg into foul territory near first base. Holmes initially stayed in the game, jogging to first base and receiving a check from trainers and manager Carlos Mendoza. Despite the injury, Holmes managed to finish the inning, striking out two batters and retiring Aaron Judge on a fly ball with the bases loaded. However, he was eventually lifted after a one-out walk in the fifth inning, having thrown 95 pitches, including 26 in the inning following the hit. Mendoza expressed disbelief at Holmes’ determination to continue despite the injury. “He said he was fine. That’s the crazy part. We went out, checked him out, threw a couple pitches, was able to finish the inning,” Mendoza said. “Comes back in and he didn’t even give me a chance. He said, ‘I’m good to go back out,’ and he goes back out there. Sent him for X-rays and this is what we’re dealing with now.” The X-rays confirmed a fractured right fibula, which will keep Holmes out for “a long time.” Jones, who trains with Holmes in Nashville during the offseason, described the situation as heartbreaking. “It’s tough to hear,” Jones said.#new_york_mets #spencer_jones #carlos_mendoza #citi_field #clay_holmes
