The Atlanta Braves had every reason to feel confident about their starting rotation heading into the 2024 season. With Spencer Strider, Max Fried, Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez, and Charlie Morton lined up, they showed one of baseball’s most formidable pitching staffs. It was a group built to take on the league’s best offenses easily. However, as baseball often proves, even the best-laid plans can unravel quickly.
The rotation was dealt a major blow just a week into the season when Spencer Strider suffered a UCL injury during his second start. This forced Atlanta to pivot quickly and explore internal options to fill the void. Though the results were initially underwhelming as the team turned to its prospects and depth players. Still, the challenges of 2024 gave the Braves a chance to evaluate lesser-known arms, including Grant Holmes—a name that would become increasingly significant as the season progressed.
Grant Holmes, a veteran of 10 years in the minor leagues, finally got his call-up in June. Initially slotted into a long-relief role, Holmes was impressive immediately. Over his first ten relief outings, he posted a 2.70 ERA and an impressive 2.14 FIP across 23.1 innings. His strikeout-to-walk ratio (21 strikeouts to just five walks) and knack for avoiding hard contact gave Atlanta confidence in his ability to handle a larger role.
In late July, Holmes was given his first career start against the Brewers and made an unforgettable debut. He struck out seven of the first nine batters he faced. This feat has only been accomplished once before since 1961 according to MLB insider Mark Bowman. Holmes carried a shutout into the fifth inning and ended his outing with eight strikeouts. This performance cemented his place as a promising addition to the rotation.
Holmes’ initial success as a starter came with growing pains. Across four starts, he put up a 4.57 ERA over 21.2 innings, striking out 26 but also allowing a .273 batting average against him. While hitters began to adjust, his ability to compete was evident. Holmes eventually returned to the bullpen, where his numbers remained strong—3.12 ERA over 34.2 innings with six walks and 30 strikeouts.
As a starter, Grant Holmes finished the season with a respectable 4.01 ERA in 33.2 innings. His ability to induce ground balls and avoid barrels stood out most. This is a testament to his command and pitch movement. His surprising success in generating chase swings added another layer to his arsenal. The proof is there even though he isn’t traditionally known as a strikeout pitcher.
The Braves face significant decisions regarding their rotation for 2025. With Charlie Morton likely to retire and Max Fried potentially moving on, at least one spot will need to be filled externally. Holmes’ ability to step into a starting role provides Atlanta with flexibility. While his metrics suggest he’s better suited for the bullpen, the luxury of having a reliable swingman is one most teams can only envy.
Holmes will likely return to the bullpen once Spencer Strider is fully recovered, but his contributions in 2024 proved that he can deliver when called upon. Whether as a reliever or a spot starter, Holmes gives the Braves a dependable arm and a reminder that resilience and perseverance in baseball can pay off in the most unexpected ways.
