PORT ST. LUCIE — Clay Holmes is set to start opening day — of the Grapefruit League season.
The Mets right-hander, who is lengthening as a starter after spending most of his career in the bullpen, is scheduled for three ups (meaning at least pitching into the third inning) on Saturday against the Astros at Clover Park, according to manager Carlos Mendoza.
Holmes said he would likely be capped around 50 pitches.
Holmes arrived at the Mets complex more than a month ago for workouts and is ahead of the other pitchers as he transitions from a reliever.
“I feel like I’m in a great spot right now, in a good position to really get the experience and be able to stretch out,” Holmes said Wednesday.
Holmes said being this far along so early in camp is a relief.
“It kind of eases some of that in your mind you don’t have to add on a ton each [start],” Holmes said. “You don’t feel like you have two starts left and you have to [increase] by 30 or 40 pitches.”
The Mets have to cover 18 innings on Sunday in a split-squad schedule and will likely use minor league pitchers in both games, according to Mendoza.
Edwin Díaz threw an inning during a live batting practice session that included many of the Mets’ regulars — Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo among them.
The Mets closer hit 96 mph on the gun and also worked on throwing to first base — Díaz was 496th out of 497 pitchers in MLB in net bases prevented last season, according to Statcast — only Corbin Burnes was worse.
Mendoza said controlling the running game will be a big emphasis in camp for all the pitchers.
“Especially with [Díaz], it’s no secret,” Mendoza said. “Controlling the running game, a little bit quicker to the plate — those are some of the things he was working on.”
Standing room tickets remain for the Mets’ exhibition opener Saturday, according to the team.
