Mets’ Clay Holmes has strong outing in likely final rehab start as trade deadline looms

A Clay Holmes showcase appeared to go according to plan. The recovering Mets right-hander, who is likely to be used as trade bait by Monday, completed four scoreless innings with Low-A St. Lucie on Tuesday night in what was his second and likely final rehab start. Holmes, who maxed out with a 94.1 mph sinker and allowed two hits while walking two and striking out three, might have thrown his final 59 pitches (37 strikes) in the Mets organization. But not necessarily: It is also possible that he remains on regular rest and starts Sunday — one day before the deadline — for the Mets when they host the Marlins. Doing so would run some risk for the Mets, who would not want to see Holmes get hammered or injured, but teams across the league would love a last glimpse at one of the expected prizes