Clay Holmes Fractured Fibula Ends Mets' Best Start of Season

On May 15, 2026 at Citi Field, Mets starter Clay Holmes was hit on the right leg by a 111.1-mph comebacker off Spencer Jones’ bat in the fourth inning, stayed in the game, pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowed four runs, struck out eight, and left after a 95-pitch count. X-rays confirmed a fractured right fibula.

The Record (New Jersey)

The fracture adds to an IL that already holds shortstop Francisco Lindor (calf), first baseman Jorge Polanco (Achilles/wrist), center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (herniated disc), catcher Francisco Alvarez (meniscus) and starter Kodai Senga (lumbar inflammation). The rotation entered the series with a 2.39 ERA, the best among NL clubs.

Mets starter Clay Holmes out with fractured fibula

Before the injury Holmes posted a 1.86 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and eight strikeouts per start, totaling 37 strikeouts in 48 1/3 innings (some reports list 45 strikeouts in 52 2/3 innings). He held a 4-3 record and a team-best 2.39 ERA after the loss, ranking third in the NL.

ESPN

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said the injury would sideline Holmes for an extended period and described the loss as a setback. He emphasized that the team must keep moving forward. Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones expressed sympathy, noting they train together in Nashville and that he felt sorry for Holmes. Mets outfielder Juan Soto praised Holmes as a hard-working player. Yankees manager Aaron Boone described Holmes as a tough, competitive player. Mendoza noted replacements include Sean Manaea, Jonah Tong or Jack Wenninger.

Mets' Holmes fractures fibula on 111-mph comebacker

Analysts note the bullpen has also faltered, with Manaea posting a 6.56 ERA in limited relief. The thin depth raises concerns about the rotation’s ability to sustain performance without Holmes.

The Record (New Jersey)

Sources list Holmes as 33 or 35 years old and report 37 versus 45 strikeouts. His ERA is given as 1.86 before the game and 2.39 after. Some outlets anticipate a 60-day IL placement; others simply note an indefinite absence. No official timeline for return has been provided.

ESPN

• “He's going to be down for a long time,” — Carlos Mendoza, Mets manager

Mets starter Clay Holmes out with fractured fibula

• “He's a friend of mine, we work out in Nashville together.” — Spencer Jones, Yankees outfielder

Mets starter Clay Holmes out with fractured fibula

• “He's one of the hardest workers I've ever seen in my career.” — Juan Soto, Mets outfielder

ESPN

• “He’s a dog. He’s a gamer. He’s physically tough, but he’s tough between the ears too. I could tell he was hurting, and he’s not a guy that’s showing it a lot, or trying not to show it, but you can tell [the comebacker] got him good… when he was walking off, I knew it didn’t look that great.” — Aaron Boone, Yankees manager

Mets' Clay Holmes Suffers Brutal Long-Term Injury

Holmes will likely be placed on the 60-day IL. Mendoza noted replacements include Sean Manaea, Jonah Tong or Jack Wenninger from Triple-A Syracuse. The front office will reassess Holmes’ health at the midseason deadline and consider trade options if his return is delayed. The staff will also rely on Freddy Peralta, Nolan McLean, Christian Scott and a potentially re-started David Peterson to navigate the remainder of the season.

Bleacher Report