The biggest remainingquestion mark for the Atlanta Bravesin a potential postseason run is how the rotation will be lined up. It seems that each turn in the rotation changes the answer as to who could be the second and third options behind ace Chris Sale. It is simply a guessing game that fans will continue to play over the final weeks of the 2026 season.
Looking at Atlanta's current options and taking into account the last performance of each player, it becomes obvious how the rotation should be lined up if the postseason starts today.
1. Chris Sale
It truly doesn't matter what happens in the final month of the season; if the veteran southpaw is healthy, it will be Sale on the mound for any potential game one. The veteran pitcher is consistently putting himself in the conversation as one of the league's most consistent forces and gives the Braves a great chance at winning any game he steps on the mound. Sale has also impressed fans with his mindset when it comes to his days on the mound.
There is a level of intensity and focus that is rare to find, with Sale being a gamer in every sense of the word. The Braves aren't going to have any debate or questions about who is going to start the postseason off.
2. Grant Holmes
Holmes had one awful start sandwiched between three games of pitching 6.0 scoreless innings, including his last outing, where a hit wasn't given up until the 7th inning. The right-hander should be the current favorite based on his tenure, Atlanta's lack of options, and the clear hot streak the starter has offered a team desperate for stability at the position.
If the version of Holmes shows up consistently through the last month fans watched against the White Sox, there is little doubt the starter is going to be in line for the second spot in a potential postseason rotation.
3. AJ Smith-Shawver
This leaves Smith-Shawver, Martin Perez, Tyler Mahle, and Bryce Elder as potential game three options. When looking at who has the best stuff and the highest ceiling, there is little doubt Smith-Shawver is winning this debate, and it isn't terribly close. It is obvious that Smith-Shawver can go a long way in making this an easy discussion with a strong finish to the final month.
However, even at the current level of performance, it is going to be tempting to throw the starter on the mound, understanding the chance it presents based on elite talent. No question, after Sale, it remains a guessing game how the Braves will line things up.
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