Longtime reliever Clay Holmes was named Opening Day starter for the New York Mets, who begin the season March 27 in Houston.Holmes last started a game in 2018 and has four starts in his career, which includes All-Star closer credentials in 2022 and 2024.Holmes prepared for a move to the rotation in a new throwing program with the goal of being “stretched out” enough to begin the season in the mix for a front-of-rotation role with New York.Early spring results are shimmery for Holmes, who hasn’t allowed a run in 9 2/3 innings with 13 strikeouts and two hits and four walks allowed.”He earned it,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “We like what we’re seeing. I know it’s a small sample size here but he’s very encouraging. He really put himself in a very good position. Showed up here early in camp — he was ahead of everyone.”I know he’s worked really hard. Proud of him.”