Clay Holmes Ramps Up Workload for WBC with Team USA

Mets pitcher prepares for international competition with accelerated spring training schedule.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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New York Mets pitcher Clay Holmes threw three innings of live batting practice on Tuesday as part of his accelerated buildup for next month's World Baseball Classic, where he will represent Team USA. Freddy Peralta also threw two innings in the same session. Meanwhile, Francisco Lindor, who underwent hamate bone surgery on his left hand last week, stood next to Marcus Semien during a fielding drill and received flips to his right hand as he deals with a recovery that has left his status for Opening Day in question.

Why it matters

The World Baseball Classic is an important international baseball tournament that takes place every four years, and Holmes' participation on Team USA is a significant opportunity for him to showcase his talents on the global stage. Lindor's injury recovery is also crucial for the Mets, as he is a key player for the team.

The details

Clay Holmes, a right-handed pitcher for the New York Mets, threw three innings of live batting practice on Tuesday as part of his accelerated buildup for next month's World Baseball Classic, where he will represent Team USA. Freddy Peralta, another Mets pitcher, also threw two innings in the same session. Meanwhile, Francisco Lindor, the Mets' star shortstop, stood next to Marcus Semien during a fielding drill and received flips to his right hand as he continues to recover from hamate bone surgery on his left hand, which has left his status for Opening Day in question.

  • On February 17, 2026, Clay Holmes threw three innings of live batting practice at the Mets' team facility in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
  • On February 17, 2026, Freddy Peralta threw two innings of live batting practice at the Mets' team facility in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

The players

Clay Holmes

A right-handed pitcher for the New York Mets who will represent Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Freddy Peralta

A pitcher for the New York Mets who also participated in the live batting practice session on February 17, 2026.

Francisco Lindor

The star shortstop for the New York Mets who underwent hamate bone surgery on his left hand last week and is dealing with a recovery that has left his status for Opening Day in question.

Marcus Semien

A Mets player who participated in the fielding drill with Francisco Lindor on February 17, 2026.

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What’s next

The Mets will continue their full-squad workouts at Clover Park ahead of Saturday's Grapefruit League opener against the Marlins, where they will get a better sense of Lindor's readiness for the start of the season.

The takeaway

The Mets' preparations for the upcoming season are in full swing, with key players like Clay Holmes and Francisco Lindor working to get ready for the start of the year. Holmes' participation in the World Baseball Classic will be an important opportunity for him, while Lindor's recovery from surgery will be closely watched as the team aims to have him healthy and ready for Opening Day.