Acce s the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. PORT ST. LUCIE The newne s Ike Anigbogu Jersey of Clay Holmes situation extended beyond pitching for the Mets for the first time Saturday. For the first time since 2019 with the Pirates, he was a starting pitcher. Holmes Mets debut was a succe s on all counts, starting with the fact the Astros didnt touch him for three innings. Over those three perfect frames, Holmes struck out three and needed only 34 pitches in the . He later went to the bullpen and threw another 15 to complete his afternoon of work. A new team, the first start in a real game in a while, I was just reflecting on that and realizing the opportunity that I have and who I am doing it with, Holmes said. It was an exciting day and it was special. I definitely felt it coming to the park today. Explore More Clay Holmes pitched three perfect innings in his spring training debut as a Mets starter in their 6-2 exhibition win over the Astros on Feb. 22, 2025. Corey Sipkin for New York Post Holmes, who arrived on a three-year contract worth $38 million following a succe sful stint as a reliever with the Yankees, has worked on incorporating a changeup into his arsenal. He threw the pitch seven times. I think its going to be a weapon to lefties, but I think really its going to help me protect my sinker, Holmes said. There will be more of a speed gap between my sinker and changeup that are going down and away to a lefty and maybe open up more room for a cutter or four-seam. Really just expand the arsenal and just have a few different looks where they are not the same speed, the same movement. Clay Holmes delivers a pitching during the Mets exhibition win over the Astros. Corey Sipkin for New York Post Mostly, he was efficient. I was just feeling the energy, feeling the adrenaline putting the uniform on with a lot of guys, it felt good, Holmes said. Its nice to get some ground balls and let the defense work. The attendance of 7,394 was the Mets second-largest for an opener in Port St. Lucie. Ty Adcock is scheduled to face the Nationals in Port St. Lucie on Sunday. A Mets split-squad will travel to Jupiter, Fla., with Max Kranick on the mound against the Marlins. Josh Hart Jersey