Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy was reinstated from the 10-day injured list on Sunday, the team announced.
It’s the first of three key players soon to join Atlanta’s roster in the coming weeks.
Catcher Chadwick Tromp was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.
Murphy had been out since early March after getting hit in the ribs with a pitch, causing a cracked rib and forcing him to miss the rest of spring and the first week of the regular season. But Murphy caught seven innings on Thursday for the Gwinnett Stripers and caught Spencer Strider’s rehab start on Friday. On Saturday, Murphy was with his teammates in the clubhouse.
Atlanta acquired Murphy from Oakland in 2023 and immediately signed him to a six-year, $73 million contract. And after an All-Star campaign in 2023, Murphy played just 72 games in 2024 after sustaining a strained oblique on Opening Day.
As for Baldwin, he should still see consistent playing time. The 23-year-old has struggled at the plate so far in his rookie season, posting a .434 OPS through 26 plate appearances.
The Braves open a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday before heading to Tampa Bay for a three-game set against the Rays.
Spencer Strider close to returning
To be frank, the Atlanta Braves had a forgettable start the 2025 regular season. But do not fret, reinforcements are on the way.
In addition to Murphy, Spencer Strider pitched 5.1 hitless, scoreless innings on Friday for the Gwinnett Stripers with eight strikeouts and just two walks.
Manager Brian Snitker told reporters on Saturday that Strider will make another rehab start against Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday. In two rehab starts, Strider has a 1.08 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 8.1 innings.
Upon Strider’s return, the Braves will have Strider, Chris Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach leading the rotation. If AJ Smith-Shawver or Grant Holmes can take the next step in 2025, Atlanta may have one of the best rotations in the league and the season endures.
