Clay Holmes, the Mets' ace pitcher, is making steady progress in his recovery from a broken leg suffered in May. On Friday, Holmes took a significant step forward in his rehabilitation by engaging in his first simulated session with second baseman Marcus Semien, who is also on the mend. This marks a crucial milestone in Holmes' journey back to the mound.
The session was a success, with Holmes throwing 40 pitches, or approximately two innings, without any issues. This achievement is particularly notable given the severity of his injury, a fractured right fibula, which typically requires a lengthy recovery period. Holmes' determination and resilience are commendable, and his ability to return to pitching form so soon after the injury is a testament to his dedication and skill.
Holmes expressed his satisfaction with the session, stating, 'Just to see a hitter stand in [the batter’s box] and throw my pitches, it was a good day.' This sentiment highlights the importance of these rehabilitation milestones, as they provide a tangible measure of progress and a boost in morale for the player.
The Mets' interim manager, Andy Green, shared his positive impression of Holmes' performance, noting that his pitches were moving all over the place. Green's enthusiasm underscores the team's collective relief and encouragement at Holmes' recovery, especially considering his impressive performance before the injury. Holmes had a 2.39 ERA and a bWAR of 1.9 in nine starts, making him a pivotal part of the team's pitching rotation.
The recovery of both Holmes and Semien is a significant development for the Mets. Semien, who has been on the injured list with a left hip flexor strain, is also making strides in his rehabilitation. His participation in Holmes' session and subsequent live batting practice without any issues indicate that he is on the cusp of a rehab assignment.
The progress of these two key players is a positive sign for the Mets, suggesting that the team's fortunes may soon be on the rise. As Holmes and Semien continue their rehabilitation, the Mets can look forward to welcoming them back to the lineup, bolstering their chances of success in the upcoming games.
In conclusion, the recovery of Clay Holmes and Marcus Semien is a heartening development for the Mets organization and its fans. Their perseverance and dedication to the recovery process are inspiring, and their return to full health will undoubtedly strengthen the team's performance on the field.
