Former reliever Clay Holmes named Mets' Opening Day starter

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PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets right-hander Clay Holmes will take the mound on opening day for his first start since 2018.

Holmes has worked 9 2/3 shutout innings over three Grapefruit League starts as he moves from the bullpen to the rotation. The Mets visit Houston for their opener on March 27.

During those three spring training starts, Holmes has struck out 13 while walking four and allowing two hits.

"He earned it," Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters on Friday. "We like what we're seeing. I know it's a small sample size here, but it's very encouraging."

The Mets had indicated they planned to make Holmes a starter when they signed him to a three-year, $38…