Acce s the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. SAN DIEGO If Clay Holmes is trying to become a post-trade-deadline bullpen addition for the Mets, he sure appears on the right track. The converted reliever was something of a succe s story for much of the seasons first half, but his results as a starter lately scream for the team to consider charting a different course whether that be in a trade before Thursdays deadline or giving a top prospect such as Nolan McLean or Brandon Sproat an opportunity. Holmes on Wednesday turned in his shortest start of the season, failing to complete the fourth inning in a 5-0 lo s at Petco Park that completed a three-game Padres sweep. So much for the promise this West Coast trip held for the Mets after they swept the Giants three games over the weekend. Mets starting pitcher Clay Holmes looks in for a sign against the San Diego Padres in the first inning on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. AP New York Mets Clay Holmes, center, is visited at the mound by the infield and pitching coach in the third inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in San Diego. AP Explore More Holmes allowed four runs, two of which were unearned, on eight hits, two walks and two hit batters over 3 / innings. Hes pitched to a 4.90 ERA in six July starts and hasnt completed six innings in any of them. Physically, I feel good, Holmes said when asked about his concern he might be sent to the bullpen. There is still some good in it. I am not pitching to what I am capable of, I feel like. But the stuff I feel like is there and I feel like I am still recovering well. I am very capable of pitching deeper into games and helping this team as a starter. Holmes added that team officials havent spoken to him about potentially moving to the bullpen, and manager Carlos Mendoza said the team remains committed to Holmes as a starter. Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez, left, is looked at by an athletic trainer as manager Carlos Mendoza, background, looks on after taking a foul ball off his mask. AP I am not concerned, Mendoza said. Hes been good for us and hes going to continue to do that. Its just one start today where he didnt have the sinker I felt arm side. We didnt make a play It was just a struggle today for him overall, but hes been pretty consistent for us. I truly believe he is going to continue to help us. There is a John Olerud Jersey lot to like there. Hes going to be a big part of this team. Hes going to continue to get the ball, and then we are counting on him. CHECK OUT THE AND On a day the Mets added to their and with the Giants and Cardinals, Holmes who arrived last offseason on a three-year contract worth $38 million looked ready for a break from the rotation. Padres left fielder Gavin Sheets (30) celebrates with third baseman Manny Machado (13) after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning against the Mets. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Mets Juan Soto, center, looks on from the dugout during a baseball game against the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 AP Adding to the days misery on the field, the Mets managed only three hits in getting dominated by Yu Darvish and the Padres bullpen. Juan Soto did not play after leaving the previous nights game with a left foot contusion from a foul ball. Delivering insights on all things Amazins Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Holmes got two quick outs in the second, but then proceeded to load the bases before Manny Machado stroked a two-run single to put the Mets in a 2-0 hole. Holmes allowed a single to Martn Maldonado in the inning before drilling Fernando Tatis Jr. and walking Luis Arraez to load the bases. Francisco Lindors throwing error led to the Padres adding two unearned runs in the third. Jose Iglesias reached on Lindors errant throw with two outs and Gavin Sheets followed with a two-run homer that extended the lead to 4-0. Holmes allowed two additional singles in the inning, but, with Reed Garrett warming up in the bullpen, retired Arraez for the final out. From left to right, San Diego Padres Fernando Tatis Jr., Bryce Johnson and Jackson Merrill head toward the mound after the team defeated the New York Mets in a baseball game Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in San Diego. AP Carlos Mendoza of the New York Mets looks on from the dugout before the game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on July 30, 2025 in San Diego, California. Getty Images Holmes surrendered a two-out single to Xander Bogaerts in the fourth and plunked Jake Cronenworth, ending his outing. Garrett entered and needed only two pitches to retire Iglesias for the final out. Offensively, the Mets couldnt accomplish much against Darvish. Mark Vientos singled in the first inning and that served as the teams only base runner until Ronny Mauricio delivered a two-out single in the fifth. Darvish struck out seven over seven shutout innings and allowed only two hits. The Mets scored only one run in the final two games of the series combined. Jesse Barfield Jersey