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Clay Holmes Cements Ace Credentials for Mets With 1.69 ERA

A sinker-first plan with a deeper mix has vaulted the former closer into early Cy Young talk.

Overview

  • Holmes, who worked 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball Sunday in a 5-1 win over the Angels, lowered his ERA to 1.69 for second in the National League.
  • Through seven starts he is 4-2 with a 0.98 WHIP, has reached at least six innings each time, and has yielded three earned runs over his last 19.2 innings.
  • Manager Carlos Mendoza praised the right-hander as “on another level” physically and mentally after sending him back out for the seventh inning.
  • A heavy sinker drives a 58.1% ground-ball rate that ranks among MLB’s best, with a supportive mix that now includes a sweeper, changeup, cutter, curveball, and four-seamer.
  • Perceived in spring as behind trade acquisition Freddy Peralta in the rotation hierarchy, Holmes has emerged as the Mets’ most effective starter and a media-noted award contender.