Mets Clay Holmes throws 77 pitches as he nears Opening Day start

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets from spring training WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.— In his first spring start since being named Opening Day starter for the Mets, Clay Holmes got closer to looking the part in 4 ¹/₃ innings on Saturday in a 4-1 loss to the Nationals at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches.For the first time in his new role, the right-hander said he pitched through some fatigue during the latter part of the start, as he got up to 77 pitches, with the goal to be around 90 by the start of the season.He’ll likely pitch with an extra day’s rest in his final Grapefruit League start leading up to his March 27 assignment in Houston.“It was good to feel that,’’ Holmes said of the added workload.

“It was good to pitch through it and see how your arms and legs feel.Once you get above 70 pitches, anybody, you’ve got to make pitches.

Hitters have seen you and you’re a little tired, but those pitches are important.”It’s the next step in the process for the ex-reliever, whose transition to the rotation with the Mets has been without a misstep so far.“It’s all new for him, especially when he gets to that territory,’’ manager Carlos Mendoza said of the added workload.“That’s what he’s gonna have to get used to.

… Finding a way to make pitches to get people out.We feel he’s equipped to handle it.”Jesse Winker started in left field, as the Mets look for depth in that aspect of their roster — especially with Brandon Nimmo still limited by right knee soreness.Mendoza said Winker is “preparing” to play the outfield during the regular season after starting in both corner outfield spots with both Washington and the Mets last season.“We’ll see how it plays out,’’ Mendoza said of whether Winker would be used there again after the addition of Juan Soto in right field and defensive specialist Jose Siri.Winker will certainly ...