The Atlanta Braves are finding reasons for optimism as pitchers Grant Holmes and Reynaldo López show promising performances during spring training, potentially solidifying their roles in a rotation that has faced significant injuries. Manager Walt Weiss expressed relief at the progress of both athletes, who are recovering from season-ending injuries sustained last year.
Weiss remarked, “It makes me sleep a little easier at night, for sure,” highlighting the importance of their recovery as the Braves prepare for the upcoming season. The morale boost comes after the team announced that pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep will miss at least two months due to right arthroscopic elbow surgery. The uncertainty surrounding the rotation has been a point of concern, particularly with Spencer Strider’s future also in question following a second major elbow surgery just two starts into the 2024 season.
As training camp progresses in North Port, Florida, Weiss’s confidence is growing. Strider’s fastball has shown promising readings, reaching 97 mph on the radar, while López has garnered positive feedback for his new changeup grip. Holmes, in his recent start against the Orioles, pitched 2 2/3 innings without allowing a run, further solidifying the team’s hopes for a reliable pitching lineup.
Strengthening the Rotation
The Braves are now considering a potential six-man rotation, as both Holmes and fellow pitchers Bryce Elder and Joey Wentz are out of options. With Schwellenbach and Waldrep sidelined for much of the first half of the season, depth in the rotation becomes crucial.
The performances of experienced pitcher Chris Sale, the 2024 NL Cy Young Award winner, have also drawn attention. Despite being 37 and having faced injuries earlier in his career, Sale has clocked 13 of his 63 fastballs this spring at 96 mph or faster. His improvement in mechanics since last season has been noted, as he struggled with a low velocity previously.
Strider, while not yet at his peak performance, has touched 96.7 mph and averaged 95 mph during a recent outing against the Blue Jays. His curveball, added to his pitching repertoire last season, continues to be an asset, as does his slider, which generated five swings-and-misses in a recent game.
López, now regarded as a potential 2024 All-Star, has demonstrated his ability to change speeds effectively with his fastball. He has consistently thrown over 96 mph while working on a new grip that has proved effective against right-handed hitters.
Holmes is also showing signs of recovery from the UCL tear that sidelined him last season. He reached 96.1 mph in his latest outing and has shown promise with his cutter, slider, and changeup. He previously posted a commendable 2.73 ERA across 11 starts during a portion of last season.
Looking Ahead
As the Braves finalize their roster, the competition intensifies between Elder and Wentz for the fifth starter position. Both pitchers have potential roles in the bullpen as well, with Elder allowing just one run over two starts this spring, marking a positive development given his past struggles during Spring Training.
The Braves are focused on maintaining depth and resilience in their pitching staff as they approach the start of the season. With the performances of Holmes and López providing much-needed stability, Weiss and his team can look forward with renewed confidence. As training continues, every pitch taken will be crucial in determining the direction of the Braves’ rotation and their aspirations for the upcoming season.
