Clay Holmes knew the day would arrive, but this soon? The Mets pitcher — sporting a neatly trimmed beard — indicated he was caught by surprise Friday to learn his former team, the

Former Yankees closer and current Mets starter Clay Holmes discussed his old team's decision to relax its facial hair policy.

Google a photo of Clay Holmes as a Pirate, and you’ll see a pitcher with medium-length hair spilling out the back of his baseball cap, plus a bushy brown beard and mustache. Like so many players over the years,

The Yankees finally got rid of their no-beard rule after Clay Holmes went to the Mets and finally grew his out.

New York Mets fans will get their first glimpse of Clay Holmes as a starter in Saturday's spring training opener.

The Mets right-hander, who is lengthening as a starter after spending most of his career in the bullpen, is scheduled for three ups (meaning at least pitching into the third inning) on Saturday against the Astros at Clover Park, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. Holmes said he would likely be capped around 50 pitches.

The Mets will get their first look at Clay Holmes as a starting pitcher this weekend when Grapefruit League play begins.