The Atlanta Braves just can't have nice things this year (or last year for that matter). While most of the Braves' core rotation arms are currently on the injured list, Grant Holmes had been a surprise. An unlikely and pleasant surprise. Unfortunately, Holmes is now dealing with an elbow injury and that left Atlanta needing to find yet another source of innings.
Down at Triple-A, JR Ritchie, Brett Sears, Didier Fuentes, Hurston Waldrep, or even Jackson Stephens could factor into Atlanta's short-term rotation plans while they await further word on Holmes' prognosis. For the moment, the Braves seem to have bypassed the upcoming decision and instead placed Holmes on the IL and brought back Daysbel Hernandez from the minors.
The #Braves today recalled RHP Daysbel Hernández to Atlanta and placed RHP Grant Holmes on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 27, 2025
Braves recall Daysbel Hernandez to take Grant Holmes' roster spot as important decision looms
Holmes going on the injured list is not a surprise as manager Brian Snitker said it was coming after the game on Saturday night. With Holmes' turn in the rotation days away, recalling a reliever for now makes tons of sense and Hernandez is pretty clearly the best and easiest to add option of the bunch at Triple-A.
The next step for the Braves is where things get interesting. Atlanta already had to claim Joey Wentz off waivers to reinforce their rotation and now they are going to be down yet another starter for at least a couple of weeks. While the trade deadline could offer some relief, the Braves were probably planning to be sellers and will have to compete against most of the league for starters.
Right now, the Braves just have to find a way to limp across the line in 2025. That could mean a minor move for a starter is on the way or a minor league promotion. In either case, one hopes that Holmes' injury is minor because neither option is particularly appealing.