When does Grant Holmes turn into an intimidating multi-inning reliever?

TL;DR

Grant Holmes has shown potential as a reliever with heavy fastball-slider usage but has struggled as a starter for the Atlanta Braves. His performance raises questions about his role and the return of teammates Spencer Schwellenback and Hurston Waldrep.

Key points

Grant Holmes has 33 starts with the Atlanta Braves over three years.
His FIP and other metrics worsen when facing batters a second time.
The Braves are waiting on the return of Spencer Schwellenback and Hurston Waldrep.

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Apr 3, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Grant Holmes (66) walks off the mound at the end first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images | Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images Everything about Grant Holmes just says reliever. The heavy fastball-slider usage, the pitches that seem to come and go, the 2 times through the order numbers, the stache, the long hair. Yet he’s grabbed 33 starts with Atlanta in the last 3 years. This year’s 2TTO numbers weren’t bad coming into this start. Though they were not great last night and his 1TTO and 2TTO FIP are probably close to equal now for the season. (I mean, it’s late as I’m writing this so I ain’t mathing it. I’m not AI, or at least the prompt Ivan used to create me compels me to deny it.)

These numbers (coming into last night) are pretty damning for a starter. The FIP increases by 2.24; the OBP by .109; the SLG by .187. So why do the Braves have him starting? Well, the answer to that question is answered by two others? One, when are Spencer Schwellenback and Hurston Waldrep coming back? And two, is one of his offerings going to become a reliable third pitch?

He’s yet to find consistent results with any of his offerings. The curveball is flattening out. The changeup is meh. But the slider and fastball has been good. So maybe he and can put their heads together and come up with a new approach. Or he could grow half a foot to Sale’s level. That would make his arsenal dance. To the Schwellenback and Waldrep question, I don’t know. I haven’t heard anything about their progress lately. Availability is the best ability and all that. Grant has a decent fastball. So there you go, I guess. He’s been fine, but matchups with the Tigers, and are looming.

Q&A

What are Grant Holmes' current statistics as a pitcher for the Atlanta Braves?

Grant Holmes has a mixed performance record, with significant increases in FIP, OBP, and SLG when facing batters a second time through the order.

Why is Grant Holmes still starting for the Braves despite his struggles?

The Braves may be relying on Holmes due to the absence of Spencer Schwellenback and Hurston Waldrep, as well as the hope that he can develop a reliable third pitch.

What challenges does Grant Holmes face in becoming a successful multi-inning reliever?

Holmes struggles with consistency in his pitches, particularly with his curveball and changeup, which hinders his effectiveness as a multi-inning reliever.