Grant Holmes gets the ball for the Atlanta Braves in Friday’s series opener against the last-place New York Mets at Truist Park, replacing Bryce Elder after his velocity dipped. Holmes enters with a 3.96 ERA and recent struggles, while Mets starter Christian S
On a night at Truist Park that could set the tone for the whole series, Grant Holmes is preparing to start for the Atlanta Braves again the New York Mets—this time with a spot in the rotation opened up for him by Bryce Elder.
Friday, July 3 at 7:15 p.m. ET is the kickoff point for Atlanta’s attempt to turn the page against a division rival that already took the first series match-up between the two teams this year. The Mets left an early mark in June. scoring heavily in their wins. and the Braves will be looking to answer that momentum with a cleaner start on the mound.
Holmes is taking the place of Elder after Elder’s velocity dropped in his last outing. For Holmes, the goal is simple: kick off the series with something stronger than his recent run. His season ERA stands at 3.96. In his last appearance, he pitched through four innings, giving up only one hit and no runs.
But the broader trend has been harder. Across his last seven outings. his ERA has risen to 4.20. and he’s recorded a career-low 20.7% strikeout rate in 2026 during his third year in the league. In Atlanta’s hands. that means the pressure isn’t only about whether he can prevent runs—it’s also about whether he can generate the outs needed to keep the Mets from putting pressure on the Braves late.
There’s one stat Holmes is hoping to lean on as he settles into the game: his career-high 11.1% walk rate. If he can miss fewer bats while still working efficiently and keeping free passes under control—or even forcing the Mets to adjust to his control—that’s the kind of swing that can flip a start before it ever turns into a long evening.
On the other side, Mets starter Christian Scott is arriving with better recent numbers and a clear plan for how he wants to operate after returning from the IL just a few weeks ago. Scott is currently carrying a 3.20 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP.
In his last outing against the Phillies on June 27. Scott pitched through four innings and allowed two runs. three hits. and two walks. while striking out six. He said his main goal was to establish his offspeed stuff early in the game. He also said that, beyond that priority, he’s felt consistent with landing his pitches in the zone.
Scott is also still working his way back—planning to get a head start as he continues bouncing back and regaining strength from injury. For Atlanta, that matters because a pitcher who can establish offspeed early often dictates what hitters see next pitch by pitch.
The Braves will need to match that with their own execution. Holmes will have to emulate the game plan that helped him in his last start. but he’ll also need to show up with positive signs defensively—because with the Mets bringing a recent scoring edge from their earlier series. every missed opportunity can turn into a run.
Atlanta’s offense, meanwhile, will have to hold down its end. This matchup isn’t just about one start; it’s about whether the Braves can turn a division rivalry that already went the Mets’ way in June into something they can flip before the series slips away.
The game is set for Friday, July 3 at 7:15 p.m. ET at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. Radio coverage is scheduled on 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan.
Atlanta Braves New York Mets Grant Holmes Bryce Elder Christian Scott Truist Park MLB schedule July 3 7:15 p.m. ET