With Fried returning from the IL, what will Holmes' role be?

ATLANTA -- Grant Holmes’ second career start wasn’t as rewarding as his first. But even with Max Fried set to come off the injured list for Sunday’s series finale against the Marlins, Holmes could continue helping Atlanta in multiple roles.

Holmes was an out away from constructing a second straight five-inning start on Saturday night at Truist Park. But four consecutive two-out hits in the fifth, including the first of Jesús Sánchez’s two RBI doubles, doomed the Braves hurler in a 4-3 loss to the Marlins.

“I thought he threw the ball really well again,” manager Brian Snitker said. “We don’t know if we’re going to need him to start again or what, but you feel confident with him doing that now.”

Sánchez’s two-out game-winning double off Pierce Johnson in the seventh snapped a four-game winning streak for the Braves, who blew a 3-1 lead they gained with the help of Marcell Ozuna’s solo homer in a two-run third.

Squandering a lead one day after claiming a comeback victory halted the momentum Atlanta had generated while winning six of its previous seven games, including each of its previous four.

But the Braves' bid to catch the Phillies in the National League East will be bolstered by the return of Fried, who pitched in the All-Star Game and then went on the injured list three days later with a nerve issue in his left elbow. All indications are he won’t be dealing with any lingering issues.

When Fried steps on the mound to face the Marlins on Sunday, he’ll be making his first regular-season start since July 11.

Snitker provided more encouraging news after Saturday’s game, when he said Reynaldo López won’t go on the injured list to create a roster spot for Fried. López hasn’t pitched since he exited his July 28 start against the Mets with right forearm tightness. He hasn’t even thrown a bullpen session yet.

Putting López on the IL seemed to be one of the better options to create a roster spot for Fried. The 30-year-old hurler would get a couple weeks of rest during his first full season as a starter since 2021, and the Braves wouldn’t have to make a hard decision regarding one of their current relievers.

But the club isn’t ready to officially shut down López yet.

“I don’t think we’re going to have to do that yet. Down the road, maybe,” Snitker said.

So, how might the Braves create a roster spot?

Dylan Lee is the only current Atlanta reliever with Minor League options remaining, meaning he can be sent down without passing through waivers. Lee threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings on Saturday and has proven to be a reliable left-handed option.

Jesse Chavez tossed two scoreless innings on Saturday, but he entered having posted a 5.11 ERA over his past eight appearances. Still, the 40-year-old hurler is the heart and soul of the relief corps. It seems highly unrealistic that he would be designated for assignment.

It also seems unlikely the Braves would cut ties with Luke Jackson, the veteran reliever who was reacquired from the Giants at Tuesday’s Trade Deadline.

Whatever decision Atlanta makes, it will attempt to protect the pitching depth that has been enhanced by Holmes’ emergence and the recent progress made by AJ Smith-Shawver and Ian Anderson.

Smith-Shawver, who went on the injured list on May 23 with a strained left oblique and was activated on July 9, is ready to throw 90-plus pitches in his next outing for Triple-A Gwinnett. Anderson, who is attempting to return from Tommy John surgery, seems to be a little further behind from a competitive standpoint, but he is physically capable to make a start for the Braves if necessary.

Holmes spent parts of 10 years in the Minors before debuting out of Atlanta’s bullpen on June 16. After making 10 relief appearances, he allowed just one run over five innings while making his first career start on Monday in Milwaukee. Each of the three runs he allowed over 4 2/3 innings on Saturday came with two outs. In fact, nine of the 12 earned runs he has allowed over 33 innings have scored with two outs.

“It kind of ticks you off, not being able to get that last out, one pitch away,” Holmes said.

If López goes on the IL, Holmes could certainly remain in the rotation. Regardless of the role, he will remain a key asset as the Braves attempt to reach the postseason.

“I’m just going to do everything I can to do the best I can and give them my all every time,” Holmes said.