The Atlanta Braves await a huge early test for NL East bragging rights. Last year’s division champ, the Philadelphia Phillies come to Atlanta starting Tuesday fresh off winning a series against the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers.
Because of Atlanta’s horrid start to the season they already sit six game back of the Phillies. Atlanta can’t really afford to dig themselves too big of a whole, so getting the season turned around beginning Tuesday would go a long way for everyone. It seems the front office recognizes that as well after revealing their rotation plans for this upcoming series.
The Braves rotation for the Phillies series:
Sale (Tuesday)
Holmes (Wednesday)
Schwellenbach (Thursday)— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) April 6, 2025
Braves decide to skip Elder start, slide Holmes to Wednesday matchup
Originally, Grant Holmes was slated to start the series finale on Sunday against Miami. After that game was rained out and because of the built in off-day that followed, the Braves were afforded the chance to get aggressive in their rotation plans. The decision wound up being sliding Grant Holmes to Wednesday, skipping a Bryce Elder start and finishing the series with rising ace Spencer Schwellenbach on the mound.
Tuesday’s matchup will remain a mouthwatering Chris Sale versus Zack Wheeler duel between last season’s top two finishers for the NL Cy Young award. Moving Holmes to Wednesday allows him to square off against veteran RHP Taijuan Walker. Originally scheduled starter, Bryce Elder did a serviceable job against the Dodgers when he was pressed into action, but it’s fair to say most of us have seen enough of Elder facing a lineup with Bryce Harper in it.
This turns the series finale into a Jesus Luzardo versus Spencer Schwellenbach (who has yet to allow an earned run) matchup. Perhaps in previous years the Braves would have stuck with Holmes pitching on Tuesday, and allowed guys like Chris Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach to get an extra day of rest so that they make it through the grind of a 162 game season. However, a 1-8 start and series against the division leader may have forced their hand.
Opting to skip Elder this time may end up being the last time they are forced into making this decision. Reports suggest that flamethrowing righty Spencer Strider is on track to rejoin the club in the coming weeks.
