Grant Holmes has caught the attention of Atlanta Braves fans by subtly addressing speculation about his return to the mound. Despite widespread expectations that he might miss the entire 2026 season due to injury, Holmes hinted at a quicker comeback. This development comes as the Braves prepare their pitching roster for the future, with Holmes’ status remaining a key question.
Atlanta Braves’ Projected Rotation Lacks Holmes and Smith-Shawver
Georgia sports enthusiast Kevin Keneely recently shared a potential 2026 Braves pitching rotation via social media, listing Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, Dylan Cease, Spencer Strider, and Hurston Waldrep as starters. Notably missing from this lineup were Grant Holmes and AJ Smith-Shawver. While Reynaldo López is projected to move to the bullpen, the absence of Holmes and Smith-Shawver was attributed to their ongoing injury recoveries.
Smith-Shawver is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery and is expected to be sidelined for the entire next season given the typical recovery timeline. Holmes, however, challenged the assumption he’ll miss all of 2026 with a simple thinking emoji in response to the tweet, hinting that a full-season absence might not be accurate.
Details Behind Holmes’ Injury and Road to Recovery
Holmes has been on the 60-day injured list since suffering inflammation in his right elbow, later confirmed to be a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). Although surgery has not been ruled out, Holmes is currently pursuing a non-surgical rehabilitation approach in hopes of returning to play sooner. Had he opted for surgery, the lengthy recovery would nearly guarantee missing the next season.
The timing of the injury, occurring toward the end of July, severely limits the chance for a comeback without surgery because UCL recovery typically requires more than a year. Holmes’ goal remains to heal naturally and avoid the extended downtime associated with Tommy John surgery if possible.
Holmes’ Performance and Importance to the Braves
After spending a decade in the minor leagues, Holmes finally confirmed his role as a reliable Major League starter this past season. He appeared in 22 games, starting 21, and finished with a respectable 3.99 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP across 115 innings pitched. His ability to provide innings was vital during a season when the Braves faced challenges securing consistent pitching depth.
If Holmes successfully navigates his rehab and avoids surgery, he could return next season to strengthen the Braves’ rotation—an outcome that would be critical for the team’s pitching strategy moving forward.