After being transferred to the 60-day IL just a day after being removed from a game with elbow discomfort, the writing appeared to be on the wall for Grant Holmes. The only question was whether he would go the traditional Tommy John route or follow Spencer Strider, who underwent InternalBrace surgery last year.
However, it appears Holmes will try to avoid surgery altogether, according to David O’Brien of The Athletic.
#Braves’ Grant Holmes will first try non-surgery rehab option for his elbow rather than Tommy John or other procedure. Made decision after weighing opinions from 2 docs. If not improving by offseason, could have surgery, which would sideline him all of 2026 even if he had it now.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) August 4, 2025
If things go well, this is massive news for the Braves. Grant Holmes was having a stellar season in his first year as a full-time starter, and his versatility as both a starting pitcher and reliever gives the club a lot of flexibility in 2026.
Had he undergone either surgery, it would have been nearly impossible for Holmes to appear at any point next season. This could mean one less thing on the to-do list for Alex Anthopoulos this offseason.
