Mets manager Carlos Mendoza discussed pulling Clay Holmes with just 79 pitches on Friday night, and then Paul Blackburn's rough outing that followed.

Danny Jansen's two-run homer capped a six-run sixth inning Friday night as the Tampa Bay Rays handed the New York Mets a rare home loss with a 7-5 decision in the opener of a three-game set.

The Mets looked like they were well on their way to a seventh straight victory as Clay Holmes left the mound. For the third time in his last four starts, the right-hander had allowed just one run. He exited the game after five innings of work with his team up 5-1. Then disaster ensued.

Danny Jansen rips a go-ahead 2-run homer for the Rays in a monster sixth inning vs. the Mets. NEW YORK -- — Danny Jansen hit a two-run homer to cap Tampa Bay's six-run sixth inning and the Rays came back to beat the Mets 7-5 on Friday night and snap New York's six-game winning streak.

The Mets snapped their six-game winning streak with a series opening loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.

The New York Mets are close to getting a key arm back in the bullpen. According to David Stearns, left-handed reliever Brooks Raley could begin his rehab assign

The Mets' pitching depth has proven to be one of the team's greatest strengths early this season. But as they continue to weather injuries -- Kodai Senga's the latest \-\- they also have a trio of talented pitching prospects waiting in the wings.

Alonso’s agent, Scott Boras, recently used his slugger’s stellar performance this season to issue a warning to clubs who have steered clear of negotiating with power-hitting first basemen in their 30s.

David Stearns, the president of baseball operations for the Mets, said the front office considers pitching talent at the major league level sufficient to weather an injury to a starter.

Pete Alonso has taken his game offensively to “another level.” That assessment was provided Friday by Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, who was asked about the possibility he would engage in contract extension talks with Alonso’s camp during the season.