The Atlanta Braves have an interesting decision to make over the next week as Spencer Strider makes his awaited return. Optioning AJ Smith-Shawver was a step in this direction, but it's still not a defining answer. For the moment, Bryce Elder, Grant Holmes, Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, and Spencer Schwellenbach make up Atlanta's rotation. This comes as a bit of a surprise with Elder's well-established struggles and Smith-Shawver's high upside. Atlanta may soon find their hand forced, however, with the continued struggles of the bullpen.
Outside of the closer position, manager Brian Snitker has absolutely no idea who he can rely on in a key spot. One night's answer will become the reason the team loses the game the next. Key losses in free agency and injuries have left the team's weak spot obvious. It is concerning enough that the Braves could opt to make the difficult decision of sending Grant Holmes back to the bullpen.
Atlanta's Bullpen Badly Needs the Added Stability of Grant Holmes
In some ways, it isn't fair to Holmes, who has been one of the more consistent pieces of Atlanta's rotation. Despite this, the Braves cannot ask any of their other options to change roles. Holmes is the team's only proven bullpen commodity currently in the rotation. This allows the Braves to bring back Smith-Shawver and hope the young pitcher continues to improve with more reps.
The one downside is the glaring weakness you leave in the rotation with Bryce Elder holding onto his spot. With the team so far below .500 to start the season, you cannot afford to give away games. This point loses a bit of steam when you consider the fact it is the bullpen currently causing Atlanta's chances to win the most damage.
While Craig Kimbrel could still factor into the team's relief strategy, the veteran is coming off one of the worst stretches of his career. Even if Kimbrel is able to turn back the clock a bit, it isn't fixing all of the team's issues.
If Kimbrel is able to be a productive option, and the Braves were to put Holmes back in the bullpen, then you have a short-term solution until the trade deadline is a bit closer. It isn't going to give Atlanta one of the better units in the league, but it stabilizes the team enough to offer hope at a level of consistency.
No matter what answer the Braves settle on, it is clear there isn't a quick fix available to help Atlanta. The Braves' lack of offseason moves is continuing to haunt the franchise during an abysmal start.