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Clay Holmes Emerges as Mets’ Ace With 1.69 ERA After Angels Win

His sinker-driven reboot from late-inning reliever to innings-eating starter is reshaping the Mets’ rotation hierarchy.

Overview

  • Holmes, whose 6 2/3-inning, one-run start Sunday in Anaheim sealed a 5-1 win over the Angels, is 4-2 through seven outings with a 1.69 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP.
  • His ERA ranks second in the National League behind the DodgersJustin Wrobleski at 1.25, putting him in early Cy Young discussions.
  • A heavy sinker approach has produced a 58.1% ground-ball rate that ranks among MLB’s best, which helps him avoid big flies and stay in games longer.
  • Over his last three starts he has yielded three earned runs in 19 2/3 innings and manager Carlos Mendoza said he is on another level physically and mentally.
  • New York acquired Freddy Peralta to lead the staff, yet Holmes’ rise from ex-closer to frontline starter now frames him as the Mets’ de facto No. 1.