The Atlanta Braves made full use of their split-squad schedule, handing the ball to two key rotation hopefuls on the same day as Reynaldo López and Grant Holmes each took their turn on the mound, offering a glimpse of what could lie ahead for Atlanta’s pitching plans.
López’s Arsenal Shows Encouraging Progress
For López, the outing in North Port was a measured but meaningful step forward. The right-hander delivered three scoreless innings, allowing just two baserunners, a hit and a walk, while striking out three. His fastball velocity remains a focal point. Sitting primarily in the low 90s, López still managed to touch above 94 mph, an encouraging marker as he continues to build strength following shoulder surgery.
Velocity, however, is only part of the equation. His ability to mix pitches may ultimately determine how effective he can be as he re-establishes himself in the rotation. The slider showed sharpness and functioned as a reliable out pitch, complemented by a curveball that added depth to his sequencing. The most notable development was the changeup. Once a staple earlier in his career, it had faded behind the slider in recent seasons. Working closely with pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, López has recommitted to refining that offering. A polished changeup could give him the versatility needed to navigate lineups multiple times.
Health remains central to his evaluation. After losing nearly an entire season and dealing with other injury interruptions since joining Atlanta’s rotation, workload durability is an unavoidable question. López has built up to 42 pitches this spring without pain. The next milestone will come when he approaches the 90- to 100-pitch range typical of a full starter’s workload.
Holmes Builds Momentum in Braves Comeback Bid
Holmes delivered a similarly efficient performance. The right-hander went 2 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two. Like López, he leaned on his breaking pitches. One strikeout came via the curveball, the other on the slider, two offerings critical to his success.
His fastball command showed occasional inconsistency, but the radar gun registered 94 mph, reinforcing that his arm strength remains intact. That detail carries particular weight, given that Holmes is returning from a partially torn UCL. Many pitchers facing that diagnosis lose significant time. His presence on the mound, already stretched to 46 pitches, marks steady progress.
While spring training results rarely define a season, limiting baserunners and keeping runs off the board reflect composure and execution as he regains rhythm. In today’s game, starters commonly work around 90 pitches, placing Holmes roughly halfway through his build-up process.
A Measured Path Forward for Atlanta’s Rotation
Atlanta’s approach with both pitchers appears deliberate. There is little urgency to accelerate their timelines, especially with depth options available and Spencer Strider also logging his spring debut. Allowing López and Holmes to use early regular-season starts as extensions of their spring build-up, gradually increasing pitch counts over three or four outings, would align with a cautious strategy designed to preserve availability over a long season.
The split-squad day did not deliver headline-grabbing velocity spikes or overwhelming strikeout totals. Instead, it showcased steady progress, calculated pitch development, and the quiet rebuilding of two arms that could play meaningful roles. For the Braves, that steady advancement may prove far more valuable than any single dominant outing in March.
