The Mets' season has taken a turn for the worse with the news that Clay Holmes will be out for an extended period due to a fractured right fibula. Manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged the impact of this loss, emphasizing the team's struggle to replace Holmes, who has been their best pitcher over the first seven weeks of the season. The team is now in a race against time to find a suitable replacement, with the possibility of Holmes' absence lingering into August.
The Mets have a few options on the table, each with its own set of challenges. One option is Tobias Myers, who has proven valuable as an opener and leverage reliever. However, converting him to the rotation would mean robbing the bullpen of one of its most effective arms. Myers' career ERA is nearly a full run higher as a starter (3.43) than as a reliever (2.44), and stretching him out on the fly could be a significant challenge. Another option is Sean Manaea, who has struggled with a 6.56 ERA and is not stretched out. While Manaea's stuff was crisper in his most recent outing, the Mets might find it hard to choose him over Myers at this point.
The Mets are also considering Jack Wenninger and Zach Thornton, both of whom have drawn accolades for their performances in the minors. Wenninger has an active 16 2/3-inning scoreless streak at Triple-A Syracuse, but his walk rate suggests he still needs to refine his control. Thornton, a left-hander and natural strike-thrower, has a lower walk rate and a 3.16 ERA this year in the upper Minors. However, Thornton's relative lack of stuff could make him more susceptible to mistakes at the Major League level.
Jonah Tong, once a highly touted prospect, has struggled in the Majors, with a 5.68 ERA in nine starts at Syracuse this season. The team is considering every starter in the Triple-A rotation, but Tong's recent performance makes him a tough sell. An outside acquisition, such as Eric Lauer, is also an option, but it might not carry as much upside as a call-up of Wenninger or Tong. The Mets are in a difficult position, with limited options and a need to find a suitable replacement for Holmes as soon as possible.
