Clay Holmes To Start Saturday; Mets Keep Bullpen Options Open

The New York Mets are shaking up their pitching rotation ahead of this weekend’s series against the Miami Marlins. Manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed Clay Holmes will start on Saturday, moving him out of his recent bullpen role.

Questions linger about Sean Manaea’s usage, and the team still doesn’t know if Kodai Senga will be available down the stretch. As the Mets weigh their options, these calls could shape how they finish the regular season and get ready—if they even make it—for the playoffs.

Clay Holmes Steps Into Starting Role

Holmes just pitched an inning out of the bullpen against the Cubs, and now he’ll start Saturday’s game against Miami. Mendoza is weighing the needs of his roster and the strain on the bullpen after some tough games lately.

This move shows Mendoza’s willing to adapt, even if it means breaking from the usual rotation pattern. It’s a bit of a gamble, but sometimes you have to shake things up.

The Piggyback Experiment With Manaea

Lately, the Mets have tried a piggyback strategy with Holmes and Sean Manaea. One starts, the other follows in the middle innings. The results? Mixed, honestly, especially against teams like the Padres and Nationals.

Mendoza hasn’t committed to Manaea’s role for Sunday, so the team’s clearly open to changing things if this approach stops working. That kind of flexibility could be crucial.

Sean Manaea’s Role Still Uncertain

No one knows yet if Manaea will start Sunday’s finale or come out of the bullpen. Mendoza is taking it day by day, waiting to see how Saturday goes before deciding.

Both Manaea and Holmes pitched out of the bullpen as recently as Wednesday in Chicago, so how fresh they feel will probably influence Sunday’s plan. Stamina’s a big factor right now.

Could David Peterson Get the Nod?

David Peterson’s another option for Sunday. He’s on normal rest, so he’s ready if needed.

But Mendoza said Peterson could also end up in relief if the bullpen gets overworked in the next couple games. The Mets’ pitching plans are about as fluid as it gets with this schedule.

Kodai Senga’s Status in Limbo

Kodai Senga adds even more uncertainty. He’s been working out at the Mets’ facility in Port St. Lucie, throwing bullpens after a live batting practice session.

Early reports suggest his velocity is down, which has definitely raised some eyebrows among the coaching staff. The Mets haven’t officially shut Senga down, but his availability for the rest of the regular season—and maybe the postseason—looks pretty shaky.

Mendoza has to plan without knowing when or if Senga can return. That’s a tough spot for any manager.

Why Senga’s Health Matters So Much

Senga’s been seen as a possible difference-maker for the Mets’ pitching staff, especially when things get tense. If he’s out or not at his best, the team will have to lean even harder on the current rotation and a bullpen that’s already stretched thin.

Even if they don’t officially shut him down, that drop in velocity could make him a risky pick in big games. It’s just not ideal.

The Domino Effect of Bullpen Usage

Mendoza keeps saying the weekend pitching plans depend on what happens Friday and Saturday. If the bullpen gets overused, the rotation strategy might change fast.

Managers have to get creative with matchups and innings, especially in September when every game counts. That’s just the reality when you’re fighting for a playoff spot and every arm matters.

Key Takeaways for Mets Fans

Mets fans, get ready for a weekend packed with strategic twists. The next few days should bring a few things to watch:

• Test Clay Holmes in a starting capacity and see if he can handle more than just one inning at a time.
• Monitor Sean Manaea’s usage closely. Will the piggyback setup stick, or is it time for a change?
• Keep David Peterson ready to jump in—either as a starter or out of the bullpen, depending on what’s needed.
• Evaluate Kodai Senga’s progress. His health could make or break the postseason pitching depth.

The postseason race is getting tense, and the Mets are choosing flexibility over sticking to a strict plan. Mendoza seems willing to make adjustments on the fly, and honestly, that could be what tips the scales during this crucial stretch.

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Here is the source article for this story: Clay Holmes to start Saturday as Mets keep bullpen options open: ‘There’s a lot of moving pieces here’