Grant Holmes strikes out eight in first MLB start

MILWAUKEE — Grant Holmes got choked up and began trying to hold back tears when he was asked how his family and friends had reacted to the news he would be making his first Major League start.

“Actually, I was going out there to warm up, and I saw my dad in the stands,” Holmes said, before taking time to compose himself.

It was a worthwhile trip for John Holmes, who got to see his son create history and prove he is far more than just a feel-good story. Unfortunately, the Braves hurler’s effort went for naught in a 8-3 loss to the Brewers on Monday night at American Family Field.

“He took advantage of the opportunity and did a great job,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said.

Holmes allowed one run and recorded eight strikeouts over five innings. He exited with a 2-1 lead, but his chance to be rewarded with a win disappeared when Willy Adames hit a go-ahead three-run homer off Jesse Chavez in the sixth inning.

“It wasn’t fun,” Chavez said. “To shower, rinsing that one off was a tough one to do today.”

This is a challenging stretch for the Braves, who needed six innings from their bullpen after Reynaldo López exited Sunday’s start with right forearm tightness. They are bringing Bryce Elder up from Triple-A to start Tuesday’s game. Snitker had to account for the strain on the bullpen while not knowing exactly what to expect from Holmes.

“It’s such a special moment,” Holmes said. “I never thought I’d be starting for the Atlanta Braves. Here it is. I’m just taking it with everything I can and doing everything I can.”

Holmes spent 10 years in the Minors before the Braves called him to the Majors for the first time last month. The days of him being primarily used as a starter ended in 2019. But he made three starts for Triple-A Gwinnett this year and he has made a few valuable three-inning relief appearances for Atlanta going back to his MLB debut on June 16.

It didn’t take Holmes long to find a groove. He struck out seven of the first nine batters he faced and didn’t allow a run until Rhys Hoskins hit a solo homer in the fifth. According to Elias, this marked just the second time during the expansion era (since 1961) that a pitcher recorded the first seven outs of his first career start via nothing but strikeouts.

“That’s pretty special,” Holmes said. “I don’t go out there and try to pitch for records or anything. I just go out there and try to do my best.”

Holmes’ five-inning effort took some pressure off the bullpen and put the Braves in good shape as they enter Tuesday’s game. He could return to a relief role. But with uncertainty surrounding López, there’s a chance he could help solidify the rotation by making at least one more start.

“Every year, there’s a guy that kind of gets your attention,” Snitker said. “He’s been that guy this year.”