The Atlanta Braves are patching a growing hole behind the plate, and their latest move reflects just how much injuries have reshaped the roster.
Atlanta officially added veteran catcher Austin Wynns to its major league roster on Thursday, one day after acquiring the 35-year-old from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for cash considerations. To make room, the club designated catcher Chadwick Tromp for assignment.
Braves Dealing With Mounting Injuries
Wynns arrives at a critical moment for the Braves, who have been forced to navigate significant injuries to both Drake Baldwin and Sean Murphy. With those two sidelined, Atlanta has leaned on Sandy Leon and now turns to Wynns as another experienced option behind the plate.
The injury situation remains fluid. Baldwin, the reigning 2025 National League Rookie of the Year, landed on the 10-day injured list on May 19 with a strained right oblique. While the setback interrupted a strong campaign, manager Walt Weiss indicated Baldwin remains on track for a return sometime in June.
Murphy’s timeline is far less encouraging. The veteran catcher suffered a fractured middle finger on his left hand last month, and the Braves officially transferred him to the 60-day injured list on Thursday. When the injury first occurred, Weiss estimated Murphy could be out for as long as eight weeks, leaving Atlanta searching for reliable depth during a demanding stretch of the season.
Veteran Catcher Added for Depth
That search led the Braves to Wynns, a veteran who has spent parts of several seasons bouncing around the majors. His 2025 campaign has been difficult offensively. He appeared in 14 games for the Athletics and hit just .077, collecting three hits in 39 at-bats before being released on May 12.
The Angels quickly signed him to a minor league contract on May 16, but his stay in the organization proved brief after Atlanta came calling. The Braves are hoping his experience can provide stability while the club waits for its injured catchers to return.
Though Wynns is not expected to carry the offense, his value lies in his familiarity with major league pitching staffs and his ability to step into games without a lengthy adjustment period.
Wynns Brings Years of Major League Experience
Despite the rough start this season, Wynns brings extensive major league experience. Across 292 career games with the Orioles, Giants, Athletics, Reds, Rockies, and Dodgers, he has compiled a .231 batting average with 19 home runs and 84 RBIs.
Atlanta also made another roster move Thursday, selecting the contract of outfielder DaShawn Keirsey Jr. before immediately optioning him to Triple-A Gwinnett.
For now, the focus remains on the catching position. With Murphy facing a lengthy absence and Baldwin still working his way back, the Braves are relying on experience and depth to bridge the gap. Wynns may not be a headline-grabbing addition, but for a team trying to stay competitive through a wave of injuries, his arrival provides another layer of insurance at one of baseball’s most demanding positions.
