IL1 Indianapolis Indians

Clay's Day

Published on July 7, 2018 under International League (IL1)
Indianapolis Indians News Release


INDIANAPOLIS - The morning of Saturday, March 31 was tiring, but ordinary. Clay Holmes woke up at 2 a.m. to board the team bus to the Tampa airport before promptly flying to Indianapolis. Spring training ended on Tuesday and his second season with the Tribe was set to begin in less than a week.

He needed a nap. But before he could catch any bit of shut-eye, Indians manager Brian Esposito gave Holmes a call with news about the Pirates' upcoming doubleheader.

After a 13-inning bout in Detroit two days prior, Pittsburgh chose Holmes as its 26th man for Sunday's twin bill. For the first time in his seven-year career, the 25-year-old was a big leaguer.

"It was definitely unexpected," the Alabama native said. "It's a phone call, as a minor leaguer, you work for your whole career. For it to come true and actually hear the words, it was an awesome moment."

Of course, his moment wouldn't come for a little while longer. Holmes spent five days with the Buccos before receiving his chance to debut. The wait allowed him to "get comfortable in the setting," but the desire to pitch weighed on him.

"It was kind of good to get my bearings, but there was definitely some anticipation there," Holmes said. "You want to pitch. You want to be out there. Waiting was the hard part. I was ready every day and waiting for my name to be called."

The former ninth-round pick finally got the call on April 6, just as his teammates in Indy finished up their season opener. In the eighth inning, Pittsburgh led 14-3, and Holmes got his shot on the mound at PNC Park.

"Not really knowing when you're going to pitch is different for me," Holmes said. "They needed some help in the bullpen, and any way I can help the team, I am more than happy to do so."

Holmes provided enough help to maintain the hefty lead, allowing a single run over the final two innings to finish his first MLB game.

"My role, the long relief role, was to save the bullpen guys. I was able to close the game out and we didn't have to use any more relievers. And we got the win."

Following his big moment, Holmes felt the love.

Naturally, his family and friends were the first to congratulate him. He received texts from teammates and coaches from clubs throughout the organization. Jameson Taillon even tweeted about Holmes' accomplishment, saying the win became "even sweeter" as his "good friend and [Tommy John] rehab throwing partner" experienced his debut. As the Pirates staff sent kind words, Holmes could sense the pride all his supporters felt in seeing him take the next step.

"It's huge for me, but for a guy who comes up through the organization, there's a lot of people that have helped and poured into me. And it's cool for them too. I think they were just as excited as I was to see me out there."

The hurler returned to Indianapolis on April 13, a week after his only appearance in Pittsburgh. Since then, he has appeared out of the 'pen once, at Buffalo in his first game back, and has started four games. Now that he's back with the Tribe, his goal is simple.

"I want to be in a position where when the opportunity comes again, I'm ready. Whatever that means, whether starting or coming out of the bullpen again, I want to be ready to take advantage of the opportunity."

His reason behind that goal is equally as simple.

"The thing they have going right now [in Pittsburgh] is awesome. I think everybody wants to be a part of it. Everybody here [in Indy] is just doing what they can to be ready, and when [the Pirates] need somebody, we're here to help contribute."

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International League Stories from July 7, 2018


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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