Braves electric young arm set to begin rehab assignment, could force Grant Holmes to bullpen
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Braves electric young arm set to begin rehab assignment, could force Grant Holmes to bullpen originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Braves are the best team in baseball, but they have dealt with their fair share of injuries dating back to spring training. Despite those setbacks, Atlanta has managed to stay afloat with the players currently available.
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The pitching staff was hit by the injury bug first. Starter Spencer Schwellenbach went down with an elbow injury, and just days later, young right-hander Hurston Waldrep suffered a similar setback.
“The Atlanta Braves' rotation took another hit Sunday when manager Walt Weiss said right-hander Hurston Waldrep may need surgery to remove "loose bodies" found in his arm. Waldrep complained of discomfort after throwing batting practice. Weiss said an MRI showed no ligament damage, but the team is waiting to learn more after Waldrep has additional tests,” ESPN wrote.
While the Braves' starting rotation has struggled at times, it has largely been a solid group. Now, Atlanta has received some encouraging news, as Waldrep is set to begin a rehab assignment on Monday.
“Alex Anthopoulos just said Hurston Waldrep is starting a rehab assignment on Monday. Throwing 96-99,” Battery Power’s Scott Coleman posted.
While this is certainly positive news, the Braves have not established a clear timeline for Waldrep's return to the major league roster. However, his progress comes at an ideal time, as starter Grant Holmes has struggled recently.
“Final line for Grant Holmes: 4.2IP, 7H, 3ER, 1BB/5Ks on 80 pitches/52 strikes (One run scored off the reliever.) Once again, had the second-time-through issues: two homers, a double, and three singles,” Braves Today’s Lindsay Crosby wrote.
A key factor in Holmes' struggles has been his performance the second time through opposing lineups. If he were moved to the bullpen, that issue would be minimized, allowing him to focus on shorter outings where he has been more effective.
Such a move would not necessarily be a demotion for Holmes. He has consistently shown the ability to navigate a lineup the first time through, making him a potentially valuable bullpen weapon. Meanwhile, Waldrep could return to a starting role if he proves healthy and effective during his rehab assignment. Holmes certainly would not be the first starter to transition into a relief role, as Reynaldo López spent a significant portion of his career pitching out of the bullpen before becoming a starter.
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