Well, the Atlanta Braves didn’t get their first series win on Sunday—but in a season start like this, a postponed game and a healthy Sean Murphy might count as the next best thing.
Let’s unpack this because while the skies over Truist Park were gray, the Braves catcher situation just got very interesting.
Murphy’s Back — and the Braves Make a Bold Call
Sean Murphy is officially back after a fluky, frustrating injury in Spring Training. The team reinstated him from the injured list Sunday, signaling hope that the offense might finally get a boost and the pitching staff can find some consistency with their No. 1 behind the plate.
The Braves designated Chadwick Tromp for assignment to make room. Tromp, out of options and not part of the long-term plan, had filled in capably over the last few seasons.
Still, many assumed it would be Drake Baldwin, the 24-year-old rookie, who’d be optioned back to Triple-A. Baldwin is batting just .154 so far. But the Braves? They’re not looking at the surface numbers. They’ve seen the underlying signs and decided to double down.
What the Braves Are Really Doing with Drake Baldwin
Keeping Baldwin on the roster makes one thing clear: they’re not treating him like a backup.
The whispers are now a full-blown rumor mill: Drake Baldwin might be heading to the outfield.
Yes, that outfield. The same one that’s been patched together with duct tape and lineup roulette after Jurickson Profar’s suspension and Ronald Acuña Jr.’s ongoing recovery.
With left field wide open and right field a revolving door of De La Cruz, Kelenic, Fairchild, and White, there’s room for someone to grab a corner spot and run with it.
Baldwin might just be that guy.
The Braves aren’t asking him to be Jason Heyward with the glove. They’re asking him to hold his own in left or right while continuing to bring mature, competitive at-bats and maybe sneak a few doubles off the wall.
His athleticism, strong arm, and experience as a high-level hockey player suggest he’s more than capable of making the transition. And let’s be honest—Atlanta has started worse defenders in left field before.
A Calculated Gamble with Real Upside
So why not send Baldwin down and let him play every day at catcher? Because if you believe his bat belongs in the lineup now—and you might not get it back mid-season if he explodes in Triple-A—it makes more sense to experiment in the majors.
This gives the Braves more flexibility. With Murphy taking on the full-time catching duties, Baldwin’s versatility becomes a tactical weapon for Brian Snitker. Use him in the outfield. Use him as a DH. Heck, he can still catch in a pinch.
In the middle of a brutal 1-8 start, Atlanta needs bold moves. Baldwin to the outfield isn’t desperation—it’s improvisation. A smart gamble by a team looking for a spark.
What’s Next For the Braves?
The Braves now get a breather from the rain—but the questions only grow. Will Baldwin see the grass this week? Can Murphy give the team the veteran jolt they so desperately need?
And what happens to the catching corps now that Tromp’s on waivers and James McCann, Sandy León, and Jason Delay are waiting in the wings?
For now, Atlanta’s making moves with purpose.
Because when the bats are cold and the bullpen’s shaky, you need more than sunshine to turn things around—you need a strategy.
