All rehab options on table for Clay Holmes with Mets future uncertain at deadline

Clay Holmes’ next start could be in the minor leagues, for the Mets or for another major league team.
All options remain in play for the right-hander as he nears his return from the injured list, with the trade deadline arriving Monday.
Holmes, in his second minor league rehab appearance in his comeback from a broken fibula, fired four scoreless innings for Single-A St. Lucie on Tuesday. He will throw a bullpen session later in the week before a next step is determined, according to interim manager Andy Green.
“Obviously anybody can count out and see where we are five days [from Tuesday] and it’s Sunday before the deadline,” Green said before the Mets beat the Braves 3-2 in Game 1 of a doubleheader split. “There is a decision to be made around that.”
Holmes and Freddy Peralta are the Mets’ primary starting pitchers that figure to be dealt. Holmes, who has pitched to a 2.39 ERA in nine starts this year, can opt out of his contract after this season.
Francisco Alvarez had a .981 OPS in 15 games since July 3 as play began in the doubleheader nightcap. Alvarez delivered an RBI double in the fifth inning to break a scoreless tie in Game 1.
“Since I have sat in this seat over the last month, he’s had really good at-bats,” Green said. “I see someone who swings with confidence. He impacts the ball like very few guys in the game. It comes off hot. There’s power — a huge hit in the gap for us today.”
Carson Benge’s RBI double in the seventh inning gave the Mets a 3-2 lead in Game 1. It was the fourth go-ahead RBI for Benge this season in the seventh inning or later, which tied him for fourth in MLB in that category.
Mets pitchers had compiled a 3.09 ERA, the third-lowest mark in MLB since the All-Star break, heading into the nightcap.
The bullpen’s 2.23 ERA was the lowest in the National League and third lowest in the major leagues.