The Atlanta Braves have a difficult decision upcoming with Hurston Waldrep currently on a rehab assignment and likely taking a spot in the rotation. Grant Holmes appeared to be the obvious demotion, with the pitcher having experience in the bullpen and coming off an underwhelming appearance. This was remedied on Wednesday night with Holmes making it through 6.0 innings on only 89 pitches and picking up the win.
Holmes gave up two earned runs and struck out four in what was a steadying performance for the veteran right-hander. A race that appeared to have an answer when it came to demoting either Holmes or veteran Martin Perez is now far less clear.
It should be noted as well that this is working under the assumption that Waldrep's rehab assignment continues to go well and the starter performs at the level he did a season ago. If this is the player that shows up for the 2026 season, there isn't any questioning whether he will be in the rotation, having the capability of being a top-of-the-rotation option. This would hand the Braves three potential elite starters in Waldrep, Chris Sale, and Spencer Strider.
Grant Holmes Makes Upcoming Braves Decision More Complicated with Great Performance
With this in mind, it is clear that Waldrep is going to be in the team's rotation with the demotion to make room no longer having as much clarity. Atlanta seems unlikely to go with a six-man rotation based on needed bullpen depth and the clear elite options the franchise still has rostered. This leaves Holmes still in danger, with the right-hander having experience as a bullpen piece and having an uneven 2026 season.
The issue for Holmes has been big innings that often prevent the veteran from making it deep into games. Perez has offered more consistent production and has an impressive resume, making it clear just what a difficult decision lies ahead for Atlanta.
Regardless of where the team lands, it is a great problem to have and speaks to a rotation that is going to be consistently under pressure. Only Sale has never had his role questioned this season, with every other piece being forced to fight for their role based on the team's incredible depth.
For Holmes, this makes it clear that another statement start is needed for it to become truly difficult for Waldrep to take his spot and the veteran be moved to a familiar bullpen role.
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