Clay Holmes is moving closer to returning to the New York Mets after interim manager Andy Green said the right-hander is nearing a rehab assignment before the club's series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Mets also received encouraging news on Luis Robert Jr., who is set to play for Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday after spending part of his rehab assignment with Double-A Binghamton. Both players appear to be nearing returns to the major league roster.
Holmes has been sidelined since May after suffering a fractured right fibula when he was struck by a line drive. Before the injury, the converted starter had emerged as one of New York's most reliable arms, posting a 2.39 ERA with 45 strikeouts over 52.2 innings across nine starts.
Green said Holmes recently completed another live batting practice session and is progressing toward beginning a rehab assignment, although the Mets have not announced a target date. His return would provide a significant boost to a rotation that has missed his consistency.
Robert's rehab is also entering its final stages. After opening his assignment with Triple-A Syracuse and later appearing for Double-A Binghamton, the former All-Star is back with Syracuse for another game as he closes in on activation.
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The updates arrive as the Mets prepare to open their second-half schedule against the Phillies. Adding Holmes back to the rotation and Robert to the lineup would strengthen both the pitching staff and the everyday lineup.
While neither player has an official return date, both are trending in the right direction. Their progress gives New York hope of welcoming back two key contributors as the club begins the second half of the season.
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