The Braves undoubtedly have depth concerns when it comes to their starting rotation. That’s what happens when you let Max Fried and Charlie Morton walk in free agency and do not decide to pay for their replacements. However, Spencer Strider returning early in the season will alleviate some of those concerns, and the development of Grant Holmes could ultimately have this group in better shape than they were a year ago when they were arguably the best rotation in baseball.

The 28-year-old Holmes, who didn’t even make his MLB debut until last season after being drafted in the first round by the Dodgers a decade ago, toed the rubber for his third appearance of the spring Tuesday afternoon. He tossed five scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and three walks to the Tigers while also striking out five. The result brings his ERA through Spring Training to a minuscule 0.90 over ten innings. He’s given up just three hits and one run to go along with nine strikeouts.

Grant Holmes was a godsend for the Braves a year ago, appearing in 26 games and watching his role grow immensely as the season progressed. So much so, that he was even tasked with starting a win-or-go-home final game of the regular season with the Braves postseason hopes dangling in the balance. A role that he seemed to relish, striking out seven batters in four scoreless innings and allowing just two baserunners.

Holmes finished the season with a 3.62 ERA over 68.1 innings, but his 3.20 FIP suggests he was even better than his ERA suggests. He has fantastic swing-and-miss stuff, and he doesn’t walk guys. That’s a recipe for long-term success in the majors, and the Braves have high hopes that he could potentially provide even more than Charlie Morton was able to at the backend of the rotation.

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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire