What Should the Atlanta Braves Do with Grant Holmes?
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This episode of Locked On Braves dives deep into the role of Grant Holmes in the team's pitching staff, analyzing his inconsistent performance and evaluating whether he should remain a starter, transition to a bulk reliever, or become a designated opener. Host Jake Mastriani highlights Holmes' strong first-time-through-the-order numbers (OPS of .556, ERA of 2.38) versus his struggles in subsequent trips (ERA of 6.38, OPS of .866), suggesting a strategic shift could unlock his potential. The discussion weighs the pros and cons of using Holmes as a piggyback opener with relievers like Didier Fuentes, while also considering the risks to the bullpen and rotation balance. The episode also recaps the Braves' 5-2 win over the Cubs, praising the bullpen's dominant performance and the offensive depth, particularly from the bottom of the order. However, concerns are raised over the team's 10 pickoffs this season, a troubling trend that needs correction. The preview for Wednesday’s game highlights the tough matchup against Shota Imanaga and rookie J.R. Ritchie, while also delivering disappointing news about Sean Murphy’s return to the injured list.
Grant Holmes excels in his first trip through the order but struggles significantly the second time around, suggesting a role shift to opener or bulk reliever.
Using Holmes as a piggyback opener could be effective if paired with a ready reliever like Fuentes, but requires careful bullpen management and strategic scheduling.
The Braves' pitching staff has a league-best 207 batting average against, showcasing elite defensive performance recently.
The bottom of the order (6-9) has been a key offensive force, contributing 8 of 11 hits and 4 of 5 runs in the recent win.
Sean Murphy is returning to the injured list with an eight-week absence, a major blow to the catching depth.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Grant Holmes: Starter, Opener, or Bulk Reliever?
“In his career, the first time through the order, batters have an OPS of just .556 against him, and he has an ERA of 2.38. Those are great numbers. First time through the order. Second time through, it's an ERA of 6.38 and an OPS of .866 as a starter.”
Bullpen Dominance and the Braves' Pitching Resurgence
“The entire pitching staff, Holmes, Fuentes, Lee, and Iggy combined to just one hit the Cubs. This pitching staff has been really, really good here lately against some really good offenses in the Dodgers and the Cubs.”
Offensive Depth and the Bottom of the Order
The episode celebrates the Braves’ offensive balance, particularly the contributions from the bottom of the lineup. Six through nine accounted for eight of 11 hits and four of five runs, demonstrating the team’s depth. The resurgence of Austin Riley and Mike Yastrzemski is also highlighted as a potential game-changer.
The Pickoff Problem and Sean Murphy’s Injury
“This is absolutely ridiculous that they keep getting picked off so much over there. That's got to be corrected and figured out.”
Preview: Imanaga vs. Ritchie and the Road Ahead
The final segment previews Wednesday’s game against the Cubs, focusing on Shota Imanaga’s elite control and pitch mix, and the challenge posed to rookie J.R. Ritchie. The episode also touches on the Braves’ financial success from City Connect and the potential for major trade deadline moves.
“In his career, the first time through the order, batters have an OPS of just .556 against him, and he has an ERA of 2.38. Those are great numbers. First time through the order. Second time through, it's an ERA of 6.38 and an OPS of .866 as a starter.”
“The entire pitching staff, Holmes, Fuentes, Lee, and Iggy combined to just one hit the Cubs. This pitching staff has been really, really good here lately against some really good offenses in the Dodgers and the Cubs.”
“If you're going to use Grant Holmes as a bulk opener, where he's going to get you through the lineup at least once, you're hoping he can get it through you too. That is where, okay, if you're going to do that and that's your game plan going in, either Fuentes and or Bummer need to start getting warmed up after that third inning.”
Host
Atlanta Braves
other
Jake Mastriani
person
Grant Holmes
person
Chicago Cubs
other
Locked On Braves
media
Shota Imanaga
person
J.R. Ritchie
person
Didier Fuentes
person
Mike Yastrzemski
person
Austin Riley
person
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