The Atlanta Braves were given great news this week with Hurston Waldrep starting a rehab assignment and officially working his way back. Not only was this great news, but it seems Waldrep is throwing in the upper 90s and offering a level of consistent velocity that has fans excited for the right-hander's upcoming return. While the starter is going to need time to work his way back, there is one clear demotion that needs to happen when Waldrep does prove himself ready to join Atlanta's rotation.
Grant Holmes has bullpen experience and has been an elite multiple innings option for the Braves in seasons past. While this might seem harsh for a starter with an ERA of 3.95, it is the reality of a rotation that has become incredibly competitive, demanding the absolute best results to have any level of roster security.
Martin Perez is the only other viable demotion, but the southpaw has been far more consistent in a starting role, completing 5.0 or more innings seemingly every time he takes the mound. This is a trait that has eluded Holmes, with the starter offering more upside but far less consistency than the experienced veteran.
Braves Must Demote Grant Holmes to Bullpen When Hurston Waldrep Returns
Perez has been consistent out of the bullpen as well when utilized in a relief role, but hasn't stumbled in the rotation in the same manner as Holmes. Manager Walt Weiss has made it incredibly clear that this season is being judged by performance, not salary or what expectations might have been coming into the season. This leaves Perez as the clear winner of the final spot in the rotation if Waldrep's return were to happen as quickly as expected.
Barring a huge start or two from Holmes, the right-hander should be returned to the bullpen and allow the Braves a valued relief option while getting the most out of the team's rotation. Waldrep has the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation arm, while the ceiling of Holmes is more that of a fourth or fifth option on a World Series contender.
For the Braves to reach their full potential in the 2026 season, Waldrep needs to be put into the rotation and given a chance to prove himself deserving of last season's hype. No matter how it plays out, Atlanta's rotation remains entertaining with an incredibly high standard continuing to be established for a group with a clear argument as the league's deepest group of options.
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