It’s been a rough opening act for Atlanta. An 0-3 start makes the fanbase feel like the Atlanta Braves are going to have a rough season.
The bats are cold, the bullpen’s been wobbly, and, honestly, it hasn’t exactly been the smooth start everyone envisioned. But fear not because reinforcements are on the way and arriving just in time to steady the ship.
Sean Murphy Nearing a Return
First up on the good news train: Sean Murphy. The Braves All-Star catcher has been working his way back from an oblique injury, and by all accounts, things are looking promising.
According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com, Murphy recently caught five innings at the team’s spring training complex in North Port. If all goes well, he’s set to begin a rehab assignment with High-A Rome on Friday.
Give credit where it’s due. Drake Baldwin has stepped up admirably in Murphy’s absence. The top prospect held his own behind the plate and showed flashes of why the Braves are so high on him.
Having Murphy’s veteran presence back in the lineup is a big deal, regardless of his struggling bat. It will stabilize the pitching staff, and could be the spark Atlanta desperately needs.
Craig Kimbrel Working Toward a Braves Comeback
Craig Kimbrel is making strides after signing a minor league deal with the Braves. The 35-year-old is no stranger to the Atlanta faithful, and even though he’s a little older now, he’s still got plenty of gas left in the tank.
Justin Toscano of the AJC reported that Kimbrel recently threw live batting practice as he builds up arm strength. It’s unclear exactly when he’ll be ready for game action, but the possibility of adding a future Hall of Fame closer to a struggling bullpen is great. That’s the kind of insurance policy every team dreams of.
Spencer Strider Looks Strong in Rehab Start
Here’s the headline everyone’s been waiting for: Spencer Strider is back on the bump. After missing time with a minor shoulder issue, the Braves’ flame-throwing ace took the mound for a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett, and let’s just say he looked pretty much like Spencer Strider.
In just three innings of work, Strider fanned six batters. He gave up a couple of hits and a run, but that’s hardly the point. The goal was to build up his pitch count and shake off the rust, and he did just that.
It’s expected he’ll need a few more starts before making his grand return, but the Braves are still targeting a mid-April comeback.
Braves Help Is on the Horizon
So yes, Braves fans, the start to the season has been brutal. With Murphy, Kimbrel, and Strider all making strides toward their return, there’s plenty of reason to believe brighter days are ahead. Baseball’s a marathon, not a sprint, and Atlanta’s about to get some serious firepower back on the field.
