Righty Clay Holmes is expected to cut his stint at the 2026 World Baseball Classic short, departing from Team USA on Thursday. He will rejoin the New York Mets’ spring training camp in Port St. Lucie, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
Team USA was unable to confirm whether Holmes will receive a longer workload to prepare for this season, leading the Mets to want him back. But he’s not alone in this early departure, as Matthew Boyd is expected to leave Team USA for the Chicago Cubs’ spring training camp. Not to mention, reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal will finish his preseason back at the Detroit Tigers’ camp.
One and Done
Clay Holmes dominantly took the mound in his lone start for Team USA. In a pool play game against Great Britain, Holmes struck out six batters in three innings of relief. His performance earned praise from Team USA pitching coach Andy Pettitte.
“He’s been the standout for me so far. Clay was very impressive the other night, and if he can continue to do that and hold that kinda off stuff, over the course of this season, he’s gonna make an awful amount of money,” Pettitte said during an interview with SNY.
With Clay Holmes leaving, Team USA could face issues with its bullpen depth. Tyler Rogers and Tim Hill were brought in to refurbish the pitching staff. Joe Ryan could earn a spot with Holmes and Skubal gone.
Back to Work
Back in Port St. Lucie, Clay Holmes will get to start in Friday’s spring training matchup against the Washington Nationals. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza intends to have Holmes get up to 60-65 pitches in preparation for the upcoming season. Pitching for Team USA no longer made sense, as they were entering the championship round of the tournament.
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