As the Atlanta Braves approach the midpoint of the 2025 season, much of the team’s hopes rest on individual performances, particularly from Grant Holmes. While the club is far from playoff contention, Holmes has emerged as a reliable pitcher in the Braves’ starting rotation. The Braves will face a critical game in Arlington, Texas, where Holmes is set to pitch against Texas’s Kumar Rocker, highlighting a clash between two promising arms amid a frustrating season for Atlanta.
The Braves’ outlook has been clouded by ongoing struggles and diminishing chances for team success, sparking visible frustration throughout the clubhouse. Tensions peaked during a recent loss when Spencer Strider openly criticized the hitting coaches, reflecting deeper issues with the team’s offense. Despite this, the Braves still hold draft lottery possibilities and individual storylines, though the 2025 season is widely viewed as a lost campaign during a period originally anticipated to be a championship window. Over the next six months, significant changes are expected within the organization.
Grant Holmes’ Steady Development as a Rotation Starter
Grant Holmes has been a consistent contributor for Atlanta, effectively handling the increased workload that comes with being a starting pitcher. Before the season began, analysts, including Ivan, predicted Holmes to quietly develop into a breakout talent, and his performance has largely validated that forecast. Although his final wins above replacement (fWAR) might fall slightly below last year’s numbers, Holmes’s ability to take the ball deep into games with dependable pitching remains a key asset for the team.
Holmes’s success largely stems from his strong pitch mix, featuring a diving slider and a sharp curveball that continue to disrupt hitters. Observers note that if Holmes can establish a rhythm by consistently pitching through opposing lineups more than once, his effectiveness could increase substantially, potentially making him a vital component of Atlanta’s future pitching plans.
Kumar Rocker: From Highly Touted Prospect to Developing Major Leaguer
Kumar Rocker, who pitches for Texas, is another focal point of the upcoming game. Once considered a potential first overall pick, Rocker’s path to the majors has been complicated. After being drafted but unsigned by the New York Mets, he was selected third overall as an underslot pick by Texas, catching many off guard. His minor league dominance has not yet translated fully to the big leagues, as he has pitched 67.1 innings with mixed results.
Rocker’s major league journey has been hindered by some tough luck, including a high home run to fly-ball ratio, which has negatively affected his overall stats. While his raw stuff, including a deep slider and a four-seam fastball with significant arm-side run, shows promise, his strikeout numbers have been lower than expected this season. However, underlying metrics such as his average whiff rate and solid chase rate suggest his true ability to generate strikeouts is better than his current totals indicate.
Pitching Matchup Sets Stage for Intriguing Contest Despite Braves’ Offensive Woes
From a pitching standpoint, Atlanta might hold the advantage facing Rocker in his current development stage. However, the Braves’ offense remains inconsistent and unreliable, making the outcome of this matchup uncertain. Holmes’s steady presence offers hope for a strong outing while the team’s offense must find ways to produce runs against a Texas pitching staff led by Rocker.
The game, scheduled for Saturday, July 26 at 7:05 p.m. EDT, will take place at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Fans can tune in to FanDuel Sports Network South or Southeast, or MLB Network for out-of-market viewers. Radio coverage includes 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan and La Mejor’s regional broadcasts.
This showdown serves not only as a contest between two hard-throwing pitchers but also as a reflection of each franchise’s trajectory. For Atlanta, the game emphasizes the need for growth amid a tough season and highlights young talent like Grant Holmes, who could play a pivotal role as the team prepares for future rebuilding or reinvestment.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Grant Holmes’ hair naturally curly?
A. Holmes mentioned that he hasn’t had an official haircut since 2017, and his hair is naturally curly.