dailyloe.com – The Atlanta Braves face the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix on Friday, April 3, 2026, with pitcher Grant Holmes starting for the visitors. This is the second game of a four-game series following a decisive Braves victory. Holmes aims to build on his 2025 performance after a tough season debut.
The Braves’ offense exploded for 17 runs in Thursday’s series opener against Arizona. This followed a historic game where 11 different Atlanta players recorded both a hit and an RBI. That feat had not been accomplished by any MLB team since the 1979 season.
Grant Holmes, a 30-year-old right-hander, became a key starter for Atlanta during the injury-plagued 2025 season. He threw 115 innings last year, the fourth-most on the team, posting a 3.99 ERA. His season ended early due to an elbow injury that sidelined him for the final two months.
Holmes’ 2026 debut last Sunday against Kansas City resulted in a loss. He surrendered three runs on five hits over five innings of work. The Braves will hope for a stronger performance in the desert.
He will be opposed by Diamondbacks left-handed starter Eduardo Rodriguez. Rodriguez allowed just one unearned run over five innings in his first start against the Dodgers. He did not receive a decision in that game after Arizona’s bullpen lost a late lead.
The Braves’ strong start to 2026 provides a stark contrast to their difficult 2025 campaign. Thursday’s lopsided win offered a moment of catharsis for the team and its fans. The series continues as Atlanta looks to maintain its early momentum.[]
Source: Battery Power
