Clay Holmes to Start as Mets Host Padres; New York Post Favors Mets -120
Holmes draws the ball at Citi Field against Michael King; NY Post betting pick recommends a $50 wager on the home side
The New York Mets will start reliever-turned-starter Clay Holmes against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday at Citi Field, and the New York Post is backing the Mets in its pregame betting pick.
Holmes, who has been handed the ball for the home start, is the featured Mets pitcher for the matchup. San Diego plans to start Michael King, who returned to the majors on Aug. 9 after a rehab assignment with Triple-A El Paso. The Post lists the Mets at -120 on FanDuel and recommends a $50 wager on New York.
Holmes has lost his last two decisions, both of which came on the road, but has been stronger at Citi Field where he is 5-2 on the season. King’s recent return included a short outing in which he allowed two runs; he had spent time rehabbing with the El Paso Chihuahuas before rejoining the Padres. Game-day reports indicate King will take the mound for San Diego Tuesday night.
Oddsmakers made the Mets the favorite at Citi Field, with New York priced at -120 on one major sportsbook. The Post’s pick cites Holmes’ home success and the matchup with a Padres staff settling back into a roster that has relied on several pitchers returning from injury and rehab assignments.
The Mets’ decision to turn to Holmes continues a season-long mix of starting assignments driven by health, matchup considerations and bullpen management. Holmes’ home record has been a factor in that planning; his two recent losses came away from Citi Field and were among a broader stretch of appearances that have seen varied results.
King’s workload and effectiveness have been monitored since his Triple-A stint. After his Aug. 9 outing, team reports noted he allowed two runs in limited innings. San Diego’s staff has been rotating innings and matchups as pitchers return from minor league rehab to re-establish their roles with the big-league club.
The game carries typical late-season implications for roster construction and bullpen usage. Managers for both clubs are expected to manage workloads carefully, given previous stints on injured lists and recent rehab assignments among their pitching staffs.
The pick by the New York Post will be one of several published by sportsbooks and media outlets ahead of first pitch. Bettors and fans following the matchup will be watching Holmes’ command at Citi Field and King’s ability to sustain his recent return to major-league action.
First pitch is scheduled for Tuesday night at Citi Field, with lineup confirmations and final pitching status expected in each club’s pregame releases.