Could a Clay Holmes-Sean Manaea piggyback help the Mets?

Jonathan Dyer-Imagn ImagesNew York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza recently set his pitching rotation. All things considered, it was pretty much as expected.

The newly acquired Freddy Peralta will start Opening Day on Thursday. He’ll be followed by, in order: David Peterson, Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, and Kodai Senga. Veteran lefty Sean Manaea, entering the second year of a $75 million contract, will start the year in the bullpen. Mendoza has already said Manaea will serve in a piggyback role.

Translation: Somebody in the Mets rotation is probably on a strict pitch count or innings cap, so Manaea should be ready to step in early if needed. The big lefty can support McLean, who might be on an…