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The New York Mets have yet another roster headache to deal with. New York has already navigated several injuries to key players to start the 2026 season. So far, the club has relied on young players to help stay afloat.

Top prospect Carson Benge began the season as the team’s starting right fielder after Mike Tauchman suffered an injury in spring training. 21-year-old outfielder A.J. Ewing was then recently brought up to help fill in for the sidelined Luis Robert Jr. Now, New York has to figure out how to replace Clay Holmes. The star pitcher posted a 2.39 ERA in nine starts before suffering a freak leg injury against the New York Yankees.

At the moment, the Mets have their starting rotation set for May 18 and 19. Nevertheless, they will need to name a starter for Holmes’ typical spot on Wednesday, May 20. According to SNY’s Chelsea Janes, the most likely candidate to fill the void is Zach Thornton. The young pitcher is currently ranked as the 13th-best prospect within the organization.

Other Mets minor league pitching prospects are rated higher than Thornton, including Jonah Tong and Jack Wenninger. Both of these budding stars are expected to receive a call-up in 2026. Tong, however, has struggled throughout the current campaign. The highly rated ace currently has a 5.68 ERA in AAA Syracuse. Wenninger, on the other hand, pitched recently and should be available on Wednesday.

New York Mets Have Other Options Besides Zach Thornton

Thornton, a former fifth-round draft pick in 2023, has posted solid numbers over the last year and a half. The southpaw previously recorded a 3.60 ERA in five starts with AA Binghamton to start the current campaign. He then earned a promotion to AAA and has been even better. Thornton currently has a 2.25 ERA in 12 innings with Syracuse. David Peterson is the only left-handed New York Mets pitcher to start a game in 2026.

New York could also go in another direction on May 20 against the Washington Nationals. The Athletic’s Tim Britton recently acknowledged that Thornton could be called up. Nevertheless, the reporter hinted that the youngster may not be ready for a promotion just yet. As a result, the Mets could go with Tobias Myers on Wednesday and then call up a reliever to throw behind him

Myers has typically been utilized out of the bullpen this season. He has, however, made one start in 2026 and has posted an overall 3.25 ERA on the campaign. In this scenario, Britton believes Jonathan Pintaro would be the “logical choice” because he is already on the 40-man roster.

New York Looking to Continue Hot Streak

One factor that the New York Mets could consider is their opposition this week. Nationals hitters currently have the best batting average and OPS against left-handed pitching in the league. This could be bad news for Thornton. Myers and Pintaro, on the other hand, are both righties. Pintaro was previously roughed up in his lone appearance in the big leagues a year ago, though.

Whatever the Mets decide to do, they will be looking to continue their hot streak against Washington. Although New York is still in last place in the National League East, the club has won five of its last six games.