The Atlanta Braves are back for the 2025 season, but after just one game, fans are already questioning some of manager Brian Snitker’s decisions. The Braves dropped their Opening Day matchup against the Padres, 7-4, in a game filled with big moments from both teams’ star-studded lineups. However, much of the postgame discussion centered on a surprising pitching move.
Earlier this week, the Braves announced their projected starting rotation, with Grant Holmes slated to start the first game against the Dodgers. Yet, in an unexpected twist, Holmes took the mound in the eighth inning as a reliever against San Diego.
The bullpen struggled to hold a 4-3 lead, with new addition Héctor Neris taking the loss in his Braves debut.
Braves make shocking turn to projected fifth starter Grant Holmes for low-leverage relief appearance
Grant Holmes pitching out of the bullpen wasn’t entirely unexpected, given his experience in relief last season. In 2024, he made 19 bullpen appearances before performing well enough to transition into a starting role. While some questioned whether his 3.56 ERA and 3.20 FIP would hold up over a full season in the rotation, manager Brian Snitker’s decision on Opening Day suggests that Holmes’ role in 2025 may not be set in stone.
After late spring signing Héctor Neris surrendered the lead in the seventh, the Braves turned to Holmes for a low-leverage outing in the eighth, despite having bullpen options like Daysbel Hernández, Pierce Johnson, Enyel De Los Santos, and newly acquired José Suarez available.
Fortunately for Atlanta, Holmes delivered, striking out two and needing just nine pitches to retire the side. While this could have been a way for him to throw his “bullpen” session in live action before his scheduled start, it’s also possible the Braves are keeping their rotation flexible based on how the series in San Diego unfolds.
If one of Reynaldo López, Spencer Schwellenbach, or AJ Smith-Shawver struggles to go deep in their starts this weekend, Snitker may call on Holmes for bulk innings again. Ideally, that’s the role José Suarez was brought in to fill, but with bullpen management already throwing a curveball on Opening Day, fans may have to wait and see how the situation plays out.
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