Braves' Grant Holmes: Fans seven in clutch performance
Rotowire
Holmes came away with a no-decision in the second game of Monday's doubleheader against the Mets, allowing only one hit and one walk over four innings. He struck out seven.
Atlanta needed to win at least one of the two games in Monday's twin bill to make the playoffs, and after dropping the matinee, the original plan was to turn to ace Chris Sale in the must-win nightcap. Back spasms made Sale unavailable however, forcing the team to turn to Holmes with its season on the line, and the 28-year-old rookie right-hander rose to the occasion. He wraps up his first regular season in the majors with a 3.56 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 70:15 K:BB over 68.1 innings in a swingman role, but after throwing 53 pitches (35 strikes) Monday, Holmes may not be available during the Wild Card Round against the Padres.
... See More... See Less
Braves' Grant Holmes: Starting second game for Atlanta
Rotowire
Holmes will start the second game of Monday's doubleheader versus the Mets, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.
He will sub in for Chris Sale -- who had to be scratched due to back spasms -- with a postseason berth on the line. Holmes made six starts and 19 relief appearances for Atlanta this season, posting a 3.78 ERA and 63:14 K:BB over 64.1 frames. His last start came on Sept. 22 when he went four innings and threw 62 pitches against the Marlins. Holmes also threw 1.2 innings and 21 pitches in a relief outing Sunday, so he will be quite limited in what he can offer length-wise Monday.
... See More... See Less
Braves' Grant Holmes: Fans five in no-decision
Rotowire
Holmes came away with a no-decision in Sunday's win over the Marlins, giving up two runs on three hits and a walk over four-plus innings. He struck out five.
The righty got the hook after 62 pitches (42 strikes) having put the first two batters of the fifth inning aboard on a walk and a double, but Dylan Lee bailed him out and stranded the runners. Holmes hasn't lasted longer than four innings in either of his two starts since rejoining the rotation, allowing two runs in each with a 7:3 K:BB. He is scheduled to get one more turn before the end of the regular season, at home against the Royals this weekend, but he can't be counted on to last long enough to qualify for a win.
... See More... See Less
Braves' Grant Holmes: Getting another start
Rotowire
Holmes is scheduled to start Sunday against the Marlins at LoanDepot Park.
After making eight straight appearances out of the bullpen, Holmes was thrust back into the rotation Tuesday as a replacement for Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder), who was placed on the injured list the week prior. While taking the hill Tuesday on two days' rest, Holmes took a no-decision against the Reds, covering four innings on 78 pitches and giving up two earned runs. Holmes should be able to provide Atlanta with more length as he makes his second turn through the rotation Sunday.
Holmes didn't factor into the decision Tuesday against Cincinnati, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over four innings. He struck out two.
Making his return to Atlanta's rotation in place of Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder), Holmes was only able to get through four innings Tuesday, needing 78 pitches. The 28-year-old Holmes pitched well in his last start before moving to the bullpen, allowing two runs over seven innings in a win versus San Francisco. Overall, Holmes sports a 3.84 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP and 56:13 K:BB across 58.2 innings this season. With Lopez likely sidelined for the rest of the regular season, Holmes figures to remain in Atlanta's rotation. He's currently scheduled for a road matchup with the Marlins this weekend.
Holmes will start Tuesday's game against the Reds in Cincinnati, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.
Atlanta will bring Holmes back from the bullpen to fill the rotation spot vacated by Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder), who was placed on the 15-day injured list last Wednesday. Holmes has previously made four starts for Atlanta, but he's worked exclusively in relief for the past month and hasn't covered more than two innings or 33 pitches in any of his last eight appearances. With that in mind, Holmes will likely be on a restricted pitch count Tuesday and could struggle to reach the five innings he would need to qualify for a win.
