NORTH PORT, Florida — The Atlanta Braves have received encouraging performances from pitchers Grant Holmes and Reynaldo López during Spring Training, which may help ease concerns about their injury-depleted rotation. Manager Walt Weiss expressed optimism that both pitchers will emerge as reliable options for the team as they recover from significant injuries sustained last season.
Weiss stated, “It makes me sleep a little easier at night, for sure.” His relief comes after a challenging start to training camp, where the news of Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep requiring at least two months of recovery from right arthroscopic elbow surgery created uncertainty for the team’s pitching depth. The setbacks for López, who made only one start last season before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery, and Holmes, who faced a partially torn flexor tendon and ulnar collateral ligament, compounded the worries.
The uncertainty surrounding Spencer Strider, who is still on the mend from his second major elbow surgery, adds to the pressure on the Braves’ rotation. Weiss noted the importance of maintaining depth in the pitching staff, especially with Schwellenbach and Waldrep out for an extended period.
Recent performances have brought some much-needed positivity. Strider’s fastball reached speeds of up to 97 mph during a recent outing, while López’s new changeup grip has garnered favorable feedback from coaches and scouts. Holmes demonstrated his readiness during a game against the Baltimore Orioles, pitching 2.2 innings without allowing a run.
Key Performances Boost Team Morale
The Braves are now looking at a potential six-man rotation, with Holmes, Bryce Elder, and Joey Wentz all vying for spots on the Opening Day roster. Weiss emphasized that having multiple options can be crucial, particularly given the injuries impacting the team.
Each of the Braves’ starters brings unique strengths to the table. For instance, Chris Sale, the 2024 NL Cy Young Award winner, has shown he still possesses a powerful fastball, clocking 96 mph or faster during spring training. This marks a significant improvement from last season, where he struggled with his mechanics.
Strider has also shown promise, averaging 95 mph on his four-seamer and demonstrating improved vertical break. His ability to mix pitches effectively will be vital for his success this season.
López, a 2024 All-Star, continues to showcase his ability to change speeds on his fastball. While his slider has been inconsistent, he is gaining confidence in his pitch selection, particularly against right-handed batters.
Holmes, who believes his UCL tear may have been pre-existing, displayed his potential by reaching 96.1 mph during his latest outing. He aims to replicate his strong performance from last season, when he recorded a 2.73 ERA over 11 starts.
Competition for Starting Roles
With the competition heating up, Elder and Wentz are both in contention for the fifth starter position. Elder, known for his struggles in Spring Training, has made progress by allowing only one run over two starts. Their upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Rays will provide further clarity on their readiness for the season.
Weiss remains optimistic about the pitching staff, stating, “There’s been a lot of positives this camp, and that’s right near the top, the way our starting pitchers look.” As the Braves approach the start of the 2024 season, the performances of Holmes and López could prove critical in solidifying a rotation that has faced significant challenges in recent months.
