When word got out that Grant Holmes was having issues with his elbow last year, Atlanta Braves fans assumed the worst. In a year that had been defined by seemingly endless injuries, it was almost fitting that one of the few bright spots of 2025 in Holmes would go meet the same fate. In fact, based on the descriptions of the injury itself and how it was being covered, most fans probably thought he was heading for the operating table sooner rather than later.
However, Holmes wasn't having it. After speaking with doctors, he became convinced that rest and rehab would be enough for his arm to heal and that he would be able to get by with missing minimal time. To say the main reaction to this plan was largely skepticism may be understating things a bit.
Thankfully, Holmes and his doctors appear to be right, at least for now. After Holmes laid waste to the Pirates in spring training, it very much looks like his arm is alive and well. The question now is whether or not Holmes can stay this way for a full season.
Grant Holmes soothed fears for now, but now comes the real test
Striking out nine batters in a spring training start is never bad. One should be skeptical of spring stats in general, given the average level of competition. That said, Holmes had all of his pitches working, the stuff looked live, and he did not show any signs of the injury issues that were plaguing him.
We've seen pitchers successfully rehab partial UCL and/or flexor tendons before, but we have also seen guys try to do so, come back, and then they end up needing surgery not long after. The impulse is understandable, as a guy like Holmes, who isn't well-established yet, facing a lengthy layoff could be career-ruining. However, the wisdom of this course of action isn't going to be proven by a decent stretch in spring training.
In fact, it may be a while before anyone knows if Holmes made the correct choice. Even if he makes 10 starts and then he blows his elbow, it was probably a mistake to wait to go under the knife, as it would all but guarantee that two seasons would be torpedoed. Thankfully, Holmes says he is healthy and good to go right now, and based on the results, it is hard to argue with him.