Miami Marlins at Atlanta Braves

Had the Braves added the frontline starter their fans were seeking before Monday’s Trade Deadline, Grant Holmes would have likely been going to the bullpen within the next week. So as Holmes spun six scoreless innings in a 4-2 win over the Marlins on Tuesday night at Truist Park, was he motivated by the widespread disappointment that was expressed by fans when Atlanta didn’t acquire a frontline starting pitcher? “Players will take that stuff personally, and that's OK,” manager Walt Weiss said. “I always say to players, ‘find something that puts a chip on your shoulder.’ I don't care what it is, but you're going to need that in this league.” Holmes might want to continue carrying that chip on his shoulder. As Braves fans worried about the quality depth within their rotation, their No. 5 starter limited the Marlins to five hits. “That was very encouraging,” third baseman Austin Riley said. “He works really hard and the stuff is there. I think he’s a really good pitcher.” Riley’s two-run homer in the seventh inning proved decisive for the Braves (68-45), who have won six straight and 13 of 18 since the All-Star break. This recent success has created a 7 1/2-game lead in the National League East. There’s a lot to like about the potential of this roster.