Sean Murphy is back with the Atlanta Braves, and not a moment too soon. After fracturing a rib in a freak Spring Training HBP, Murphy’s rehab stint was expected to run a bit longer.
But surprise, the Braves fast-tracked their All-Star backstop, cutting his rehab short and slotting him right into the big-league roster ahead of schedule.
A Sudden Return Signals Urgency
Murphy had only suited up for three Triple-A rehab games, and the plan was for him to catch a full nine innings before a likely Tuesday activation. Instead, the Braves pushed the gas pedal.
The fact that they pulled the plug early on his rehab assignment suggests confidence in Murphy’s health—and a sense of urgency about the club’s rocky start.
A 1–8 record through nine games isn’t exactly the tone-setter Atlanta hoped for. With a lineup colder than a February breeze, this early-season skid made Murphy’s return feel less like a routine move and more like a lifeline.
And the cost of that lifeline? Chadwick Tromp. The veteran backup catcher was designated for assignment to make space despite serving as a reliable emergency plug since 2022. With no minor league options remaining and a previous outright under his belt, Tromp can elect free agency if he clears waivers.
But let’s be real: his value is limited. The Braves, meanwhile, are already looking ahead with more depth waiting in the wings, including Sandy Leon and the recently acquired Jason Delay.
Baldwin’s Big League Audition Continues
Drake Baldwin staying in the mix may be the biggest question mark with all of this. Everyone figured the top prospect would head back to Triple-A to collect regular at-bats.
His .154/.241/.192 slash line through 29 plate appearances doesn’t exactly scream “breakout,” but the Braves are opting to keep him around. That says a lot.
Whether it’s a belief in his long-term ceiling or a need to manage Murphy’s innings behind the plate early on, Baldwin’s presence suggests the team is still experimenting with both the lineup and player development.
It’s not just about what Baldwin is doing today but about what he might become. Murphy is not expected to go full-throttle out of the gate. That means Baldwin might still get solid big-league exposure.
The Braves Need a Spark
Atlanta’s season is off to a brutal start. The bats are MIA, and they cannot win games. Murphy’s return offers more than just a defensive upgrade. It’s a chance for a team to get the leadership, production, and stability it needs. He might stabilize things if he can find his 2023 All-Star form.
The Braves have shown they’re willing to shuffle players and take risks if it does not work out. And with options like Leon and Delay in the system, this might not be the last shake-up we see behind the plate.
For now, all eyes are on Murphy—and whether his return can ignite the kind of momentum Atlanta desperately needs.
