The Pirates non-tendered right-hander Clay Holmes on Wednesday, but he’s making a quick return to the organization. The club has signed Holmes to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league camp, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette tweets.
Holmes will now stay with the only organization he has been a part of since coming off the board in the ninth round of the 2011 draft. The 27-year-old saw action with the Pirates in each of the previous three seasons, though he has had trouble keeping offenses at bay, thanks in part to control problems. In 47 appearances and four starts, Holmes has posted a 5.91 ERA/5.06 FIP with 9.04 K/9 against 6.84 BB/9 across 77 2/3 innings.
This past season was a wash for Holmes because of a forearm strain, as he made just one appearance (on July 24) before landing on the injured list. He’ll now try to work his way back to Pittsburgh on a non-guaranteed deal.
He should have gone to the Giants where he could work with Watson.
An elementary comment.
Agree. We traded Watson before Holmes came up. I’m still waiting for the Kramer/Newman 2b/SS combo.
While you are reading this, Holmes is probably walking another batter.
You’ve clearly never met Tanner Roark.
Tyler Chatwood says hi
Robbie Ray says hi
Hello
This is a painfully slow offseason. I thought once the non-tenders were established we’d see a flurry of action. Looks like every club is too gun shy to pull the trigger with the unknowns of how COVID will affect this season.
At least the Braves & Blue Jays have done something…
Things don’t usually pick up until the Winter Meetings which is virtual this year from Dec. 7-10. Expect gain some steam then. Scott Boras also has been unusually quiet and I’m glad he isn’t tone-deaf to our environment. Teams dealing with losses on their books for the first time have to fiscally strategize for next year with Plan A, B, C. etc.
Whew! Thank God we got him back!
Honestly, like 14 of his walks in 2019 came off of his fastball. His sinker, slider and change up were fantastic.
I am glad to see that they were able to keep him as he could be a good pitcher if he learns control which admittedly is a big deal.The Pirates have been patient with him and have an investment so hopefully he will be healthy and do well at AAA.
Clay seems like a really really really good guy. He spoke at pirates face tonight in 2019. And the pirate locker room seems to really like him. Glad he can come back.
The Curse of Tyler Glasnow.
Holmes has been no worse here than Glasnow was during his time here.
Holmes has really good potential. He just need to be able to control his pitches.
Maybe convert him to a reliever is the best scenario for him