Holmes, Kranick Show First Blemishes Of Spring

Turns out, Clay Holmes and Max Kranick are, in fact, mortal.

Who knew?

The latest success stories to emerge from the New York Mets’ highly touted pitching lab both have forced their way into the conversation this spring. Holmes has done more than just impress — he’s been tabbed as New York’s Opening Day starter. Meanwhile, Kranick has made a compelling case for one of the final bullpen spots, looking increasingly like a lock to break camp with the team.

Entering Saturday, neither Holmes nor Kranick had given up a run since setting foot in Port St. Lucie.

That streak finally ended on March 15 in a 4-1 loss to the Washington Nationals.

Holmes had been nearly untouchable, posting 9 2/3 scoreless innings with just two hits allowed, 13 strikeouts and four walks. His spring ERA now sits at 1.29 after surrendering two runs on three hits over 4 1/3 innings, striking out two and walking one.

Kranick had been just as dominant, firing eight scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts, five hits allowed and zero walks. But Saturday wasn’t as kind. He, too, gave up two runs on three hits, striking out two and walking one in 1 1/3 innings.

So, what does this mean?

Not much.

But it’s a reminder that even the most dominant spring performances aren’t immune to the occasional hiccup. Holmes and Kranick have still been two of the Mets’ most impressive arms in camp, and one rough outing doesn’t change that.

Holmes is still set to take the ball on Opening Day. Kranick is still on track to carve out a role in the bullpen.

A couple of runs in mid-March won’t change that.

If anything, it’s better to get the bad outing out of the way now — because when the games start counting, the Mets will be counting on them.

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