Not only did the Atlanta Braves lose 6-5 to the Texas Rangers in heartbreaking fashion on Saturday night, but the franchise also lost yet another starting pitcher.
Grant Holmes is heading to the injured list to join the bulk of Atlanta's rotational depth. Over the last three months, Atlanta has lost Spencer Schwellenbach, AJ Smith-Shawver, Chris Sale, and now Holmes to injury. This was after starter Reynaldo Lopez was only able to make one start before remaining on the injured list.
While the season is already lost, it is another brutal blow to a team with zero depth in the rotation. Holmes is dealing with elbow tightness, per The Athletic's David O'Brien, which is a foreboding injury that could mean a myriad of things.
Snitker said #Braves' Grant Holmes had elbow tightness and will go on the IL and get checked out. He joins starters Sale, Schwellenbach, López and Smith-Shawver on the IL. What a season for Atlanta. Whew.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) July 27, 2025
Speculating a timeline or what exactly is the cause is impossible based on manager Brian Snitker's vague statements. It seems likely the manager himself doesn't have any information at this time. Still, it is hardly comforting with Smith-Shawver's 2026 status up in the air.
Perhaps it is time to consider shutting down all of Atlanta's star pitchers and riding out the season with any innings eaters the team can find. Pointing out just how bleak things have become, Bryce Elder is now the second most accomplished starter in Atlanta's rotation.
Braves Expected to Lose SP Grant Holmes to Injured List
Spencer Strider is now the lone Braves starter standing in the rotation. Not one piece remaining was expected to be playing a role for Atlanta at this point in the season. Only Strider was expected to be called upon out of this current group. One that now has a giant question mark as the Braves are still scrambling to replace their missing starters.
Triple-A Gwinnett doesn't offer many promising possibilities, with Atlanta already hurting a prospect's development earlier in the year from their own desperation for answers.
Whether it is consistent bullpen games or attempting to find someone off the street or at the trade deadline, the Braves must find an answer. It doesn't have to be a player capable of giving the lineup a consistent chance to win. Atlanta is far away from having any chance of climbing back into the postseason race. At this point, it is simply about finishing the season without sustaining any more long-term injuries.
With this in mind, the Braves can throw anyone on the mound who is capable of eating innings, even amid a poor performance. Desperation for this has never been higher as yet another arm goes down in a year, turning back the clock for Atlanta fans in the absolute worst way.