WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Mets right-hander Clay Holmes faced his first hurdle as a starting pitcher in Saturday’s 4-1 loss to the Washington Nationals at CACTI Park.

Mets righty Clay Holmes said he pitched through some fatigue during the latter part of the start, as he got up to 77 pitches in Saturday’s start.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — New York Mets right-hander Clay Holmes will take the mound on opening day for his first start since 2018. Holmes has worked 9 2/3 shutout innings over three Grapefruit League starts as he moves from the bullpen to the rotation. The Mets visit Houston for their opener on March 27.