The Atlanta Braves suffered a rare series loss against the Chicago White Sox this past week, with Grant Holmes setting the tone for the rare failure. Holmes only managed to complete 3.2 innings while giving up three earned runs and clearly being a liability when it comes to finishing starts. It has been a common theme with Holmes often unable to make it deep into starts, making a clear case that it is time for Atlanta to consider moving Holmes to the bullpen.
Hurston Waldrep is nearing a return, and Spencer Schwellenbach has started to work closer towards a return as well. Waldrep offers far more upside than Holmes and hands the Braves another arm with clear postseason potential. Even at his best, Holmes doesn't offer the ability of Waldrep and shouldn't continue to hold a rotation spot based on the consistent strain he is putting on the Atlanta pen.
Martin Perez is the other possible demotion, but the veteran is far more crafty and finds ways to complete five innings or more in his starts. Perez doesn't have to miss a lot of bats to find ways to keep the game close and get deep enough to give the bullpen needed rest and the Atlanta lineup the ability to take control.
Grant Holmes Latest Start Sets up Braves to Make Obvious Demotion Decision
Demoting Holmes to the pen makes sense, as this is where the veteran has previous experience and clearly could be utilized for an inning or two when he is on his game. Waldrep should take the spot of Holmes, and the Braves should continue to ride with Perez until the wheels fall off or Schwellenbach proves he is ready to once again contribute at a high level.
Already, the Braves have two notable starters in their bullpen with Didier Fuentes and Reynaldo Lopez both taking on relief roles. JR Ritchie has been recently recalled as well, but it is unclear if the young right-hander is going to be utilized as a spot starter or tested with working out of the bullpen.
No matter what decision the Braves make with Ritchie, it makes sense to begin to make it clear to Holmes that a change is upcoming. As Waldrep continues to make progress and Holmes shows an inability to get deep into games, the Braves really have no other choice. This speaks to the depth of Atlanta's rotation and the wealth of options that hands Atlanta both injury depth and more than one possible trade deadline move.
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