Clay Holmes’ next start could be in the minor leagues, for the Mets or for another major league team.
All options remain in play for the right-hander as he nears his return from the injured list, with the trade deadline arriving Monday.
Holmes, in his second minor league rehab appearance in his comeback from a broken fibula, fired four scoreless innings for Single-A St. Lucie on Tuesday. He will throw a bullpen session later in the week before a next step is determined, according to interim manager Andy Green.
“Obviously anybody can count out and see where we are five days [from Tuesday] and it’s Sunday before the deadline,” Green said before the Mets beat the Braves 3-2 in Game 1 of a doubleheader split. “There is a decision to be made around that.”
Holmes and Freddy Peralta are the Mets’ primary starting pitchers that figure to be dealt. Holmes, who has pitched to a 2.39 ERA in nine starts this year, can opt out of his contract after this season.
Francisco Alvarez had a .981 OPS in 15 games since July 3 as play began in the doubleheader nightcap. Alvarez delivered an RBI double in the fifth inning to break a scoreless tie in Game 1.
“Since I have sat in this seat over the last month, he’s had really good at-bats,” Green said. “I see someone who swings with confidence. He impacts the ball like very few guys in the game. It comes off hot. There’s power — a huge hit in the gap for us today.”
Carson Benge’s RBI double in the seventh inning gave the Mets a 3-2 lead in Game 1. It was the fourth go-ahead RBI for Benge this season in the seventh inning or later, which tied him for fourth in MLB in that category.
Mets pitchers had compiled a 3.09 ERA, the third-lowest mark in MLB since the All-Star break, heading into the nightcap.
The bullpen’s 2.23 ERA was the lowest in the National League and third lowest in the major leagues.
