The Atlanta Braves are hoping the second time is the charm for Spencer Strider.
Strider initially attempted to return from elbow surgery on Apr. 16, but immediately went on the injured list with a strained hamstring. He was able to throw a bullpen session for the first time since the strain on Wednesday, signaling that a return shouldn't be too far down the road.
Though the Braves will be delighted to have Strider back, they also face an interesting decision: Who should exit the starting rotation when the strikeout specialist eventually returns?
According to one baseball writer, that decision is becoming clear thanks to recent results.
On Thursday, FanSided's Cody Williams predicted that the Braves would move 29-year-old Grant Holmes back to the bullpen upon Strider's return, after starting in seven of his first eight appearances of the season.
"Not only do the recent trends favor (AJ) Smith-Shawver and (Bryce) Elder staying in the rotation over Holmes, but the deciding factor is Holmes' history and ability to shift to the bullpen," Williams wrote. "That's where he started the year, pitching in relief on Opening Day, and where he spent the majority of last season.
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"In 2024, he made seven starts — the number he's already made this season — but 26 total appearances and finished with a solid 3.56 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in a multi-inning role."
Williams called the move "obvious," and perhaps that's what it will be for the Atlanta decision-makers. Holmes has two clunkers in his last three outings, while Smith-Shawver just had an eight-inning scoreless outing and Elder has earned the win in his last two starts.
But as long as there's no exact timetable for Strider to come back, nothing is set in stone.
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