It has become increasingly clear that the Atlanta Braves have a problem when it comes to starter Grant Holmes. This was on display yet again on Tuesday night with the right-hander losing his control without notice and being pulled after completing only four innings. This is the third time in the last five starts that the veteran isn't able to complete five innings and has put stress on the Atlanta pen. Leading to the unavoidable fact that it might be time to consider relegating Holmes.
Atlanta has a myriad of starting options and could turn to Didier Fuentes or Martin Perez, both have offered clear upside this season. Perez has limited value, but has proven himself capable of eating innings and found ways to shut down rallies and give Atlanta's offense time to take control. Holmes simply is far too unreliable and has left the Braves little other choice but to consider this move.
This is especially true when you consider the fact that Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep are still expected to return in the coming days. Atlanta has far more options than they do rotation spots, making the margin for error incredibly thin.
For Holmes, the issue isn't stuff but a seeming lack of control that appears without warning and leads to big innings for the opposing offense. It is difficult to watch and leaves fans unable to enjoy starts that always seem to hit a speed bump in unexpected moments.
Braves Should Consider Moving Grant Holmes to Bullpen After Latest Start
Holmes now has a 4.36 ERA this season and has by far been Atlanta's least reliable option in the current rotation. This is a frustration for a player who fought his way to relevance at the end of the 2024 season, putting the team on his back and into the postseason, appearing to be a potential long-term rotation option.
While there is still value in the right-hander being rostered, it appears the best path is putting him in the bullpen. The Braves can utilize Holmes as they did at the start of his tenure with the team. Eating multiple innings and being brought in both in high-leverage situations and to mop up, the pitcher can fill a number of roles and take pressure off the bottom of the bullpen.
For the Braves, this is the right decision with the upcoming returns of their young starters and the presence of Perez and Fuentes, who both appear to be superior options. Holmes still has a path to contributing and could work his way back into the team's rotation if injury strikes or he shows a higher level of consistency out of the Atlanta bullpen.
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