Mets Facing Clay Holmes Decision After Sixth Straight Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 11:53 PM ET

The New York Mets are amid their worst stretch of the 2025 MLB season. Dropping their sixth straight game on Thursday night, a 7-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves, the Mets no longer have sole possession of first place in the NL East.

New York's starting pitcher Clay Holmes struggled mightily on Thursday, walking a season-high six batters in 4.2 innings of work. Now tied atop their division with the Philadelphia Phillies, the Mets are entering a critical series against Philly this weekend.

New York not only brings a six-game losing streak into the series with Philadelphia, but significant pitching staff questions as well.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza would not reveal Friday's starter when speaking with reporters postgame, but it was later reported by Anthony DiComo of MLB.com that Blade Tidwell will be getting the ball. However, Friday's starter is not the only pitching question New York faces.

Holmes, who is in his first season as a full-time starting pitcher, has already surpassed a career-high in innings pitched for a season. While it's unclear if his six walks on Thursday were a product of that, Mendoza admitted postgame the team is keeping a close eye on Holmes' workload.

"I'm not going to say I'm concerned, but this is something that we're watching closely."

Carlos Mendoza was asked how concerned he is about Clay Holmes' workload in his first season of being a regular starting pitcher: pic.twitter.com/B096NacydF
— SNY (@SNYtv) June 20, 2025

As Mendoza alluded to, the Mets currently face a decision on how to best manage the 32-year-old right-hander. Prior to this season, Holmes' career-high in innings pitched was 70 in 2021. He is now at 83 through 15 starts, and there are still more than four months remaining before the postseason begins.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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