The New York Mets suffered a devastating blow Friday night, losing their most valuable pitcher for what manager Carlos Mendoza described as "a long time" after Clay Holmes fractured his fibula on a 111 mph comebacker during a 5-2 loss to the Yankees.

In the fourth inning, Yankees rookie Spencer Jones launched a scorching liner right back to the mound. The ball struck Holmes' lower leg with such force that it shattered his fibula. Remarkably, the veteran right-hander stayed in the game, battling through the pain before exiting in the fifth inning after allowing four runs on seven hits over 4⅓ innings.

Holmes, in his age-33 season, has been nothing short of brilliant. Through nine starts and 52⅔ innings, he's posted a stellar 2.39 ERA, and his 1.9 WAR led the entire Mets roster by a wide margin entering Friday. His absence—expected to be measured in weeks or even months—deals a crushing blow to a team already struggling to find its footing.

The injury adds to a growing list of sidelined Mets starters: Kodai Senga (spine inflammation), Tylor Megill (Tommy John surgery last September), and Justin Hagenman (rib fracture). With Holmes headed to the injured list, the Mets will need to scramble for replacements. Sean Manaea, currently in long relief, is an option despite his struggles this season. Prospect Jonah Tong, who made five big-league starts last year, could get a look, though he's been shaky at Triple-A Syracuse in 2026.

Friday's loss snapped a three-game winning streak and dropped the Mets to 18-26, dead last in the National League East. After narrowly missing the playoffs last season, this was supposed to be a year of contention. Instead, the Mets have become one of baseball's most disappointing teams, and losing a cornerstone like Holmes makes an already uphill climb feel nearly insurmountable.