Mets right-handed pitcher Clay Holmes delivered a strong performance in his second and likely final rehab start on Tuesday night, throwing four scoreless innings for Low-A St. Lucie. The outing is seen as a showcase for potential trade suitors as the Major League Baseball trade deadline looms.
Holmes's performance included a 94.1 mph sinker, allowing two hits while walking two and striking out three over 59 pitches, 37 of which were strikes. This outing could mark his last appearance in the Mets organization before the deadline.
However, there remains a possibility that Holmes could pitch again on Sunday, just one day before the trade deadline, for the Mets against the Marlins. Such a scenario would present a risk for the Mets, who would prefer not to see him injured or falter, but it would also offer teams a final opportunity to scout him if he has not been traded.
Holmes has been a significant contributor since joining the organization, transitioning from a reliever to a starter. He posted a 3.53 ERA in 33 games last year and improved this season with a 2.39 ERA in nine starts before a fractured fibula in May sidelined him. Despite his value, extension talks between Holmes and the Mets have reportedly not been extensive, making a trade the most probable outcome.
Should Holmes not be traded, it is possible the Mets could extend him a qualifying offer after he opts out of his current contract. Nevertheless, the most likely scenario involves the Mets trading Holmes, who demonstrated effective command, with all six outs recorded on balls put in play resulting in ground outs.