Braves Manager Weiss Defends Quick Hook of Starter Holmes

Weiss pulled Holmes after just 59 pitches, citing the pitcher's recent workload and the team's bullpen setup.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 7:24pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, conveying the abstract and multifaceted nature of in-game pitching decisions.A cubist interpretation of a pitcher's delivery, reflecting the complex decision-making process managers face in handling their pitching staff.Atlanta Today

In the Braves' 10-4 loss to the Marlins, manager Walt Weiss made the controversial decision to pull starting pitcher Grant Holmes after just 59 pitches, despite Holmes' strong start through the first three innings. Weiss explained his rationale, noting Holmes' heavy workload in his previous outing and the team's plan to turn the game over to the bullpen. While the move backfired, leading to three more runs for the Marlins, Weiss said he prioritized clarity in communicating his reasoning to Holmes, who appreciated the manager's candor.

Why it matters

Weiss' quick hook of Holmes highlights the delicate balance managers must strike between protecting their pitchers' long-term health and giving the team the best chance to win in the moment. The Braves' pitching staff has faced uncertainty this spring, making Weiss' decision-making process even more crucial.

The details

With the Braves trailing 3-0 in the fourth inning, Weiss pulled Holmes after the starter had thrown just 59 pitches, despite Holmes' strong start through the first three frames. Weiss cited Holmes' heavy workload in his previous outing, as well as the team's plan to turn the game over to the bullpen, as the reasons behind the quick hook. The move backfired, as the Marlins scored three more runs off the Braves' relievers, ultimately leading to a 10-4 loss.

  • Holmes was coming off a start where he needed to grind out 99 pitches against the Angels.
  • The Braves-Marlins game took place on Monday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Walt Weiss

The manager of the Atlanta Braves, known for his open communication with players and willingness to make tough decisions.

Grant Holmes

The Braves' starting pitcher, who was pulled after just 59 pitches despite a strong start through the first three innings.

Aaron Bummer

The Braves' reliever who entered the game after Weiss pulled Holmes.

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What they’re saying

“It's more looking at the big picture for him this early in the year. If he didn't have the outing he did the last time out in Anaheim, I wouldn't have done it, most likely. And then, if he had an extra day's rest – wasn't on regular rest, I wouldn't have done it. So there were multiple factors there. And then the fact that he was on the third time through [the Marlins' lineup]. Then, we were set up for Bummer, so that was my thought process.”

— Walt Weiss, Braves Manager

“I can go to bed at night and sleep well knowing the reasoning for why he did it. I feel like it goes a really long way. Walt's a good guy and great manager. I've got a lot of respect for any decision he makes.”

— Grant Holmes, Braves Pitcher

“Clarity is more important. You don't have to agree with me – and in the end, it looked like you [Holmes] were right and I was wrong. But it's more important that there's clarity than that we agree all the time, so there's no mixed messages.”

— Walt Weiss, Braves Manager

What’s next

Holmes is scheduled to make his next start on Saturday against the Phillies, and he will have an extra day of rest before that outing.

The takeaway

Weiss' decision to pull Holmes early highlights the difficult balancing act managers face in protecting their pitchers' long-term health while also giving the team the best chance to win in the moment. However, Weiss' clear communication with Holmes about the reasoning behind the move, and Holmes' appreciation for that transparency, suggests a strong working relationship between the manager and player.