Injuries always seem to find a way, and this spring is no exception. The Atlanta Braves have suffered a significant setback, as starting catcher Sean Murphy has been diagnosed with a cracked left rib. He’s expected to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks, ruling him out for Opening Day. The Braves had been enjoying a relatively healthy camp until Monday morning when the news broke.
Murphy suffered the injury when a 94.6 mph sinker struck him in the ribs during Friday’s game. Now, the Braves will need to adjust their catching plans as they prepare to begin the season without one of their top defensive players.
Who will step up for Atlanta Braves?
According to Mark Bowman, the Braves could look to top prospect Drake Baldwin—ranked No. 32 in baseball by CBS ahead of the 2025 season—to step into a larger role behind the plate. Alternatively, if Murphy’s recovery timeline is on the shorter end, they may lean on a veteran presence, pairing non-roster invitee Curt Casali with Chadwick Tromp to start the season.
Murphy’s injury continues a frustrating trend since his arrival in Atlanta. Last season, he suffered a significant oblique strain on Opening Day, which kept him out for two months. Even after returning, he never seemed fully locked in at the plate. He also missed time during the summer of 2023 with a minor hamstring strain.
On December 12, 2022, the Athletics traded Murphy to the Braves as part of a three-team deal. In return, Oakland received pitchers Kyle Muller and Freddy Tarnok, catcher Manny Piña, and minor league pitcher Royber Salinas from Atlanta, along with utility player Esteury Ruiz from the Brewers.
Murphy’s absence only adds to the Braves’ growing list of injuries. The team is already preparing to start the season without star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and ace Spencer Strider, both recovering from major injuries. Additionally, veteran reliever Joe Jiménez is expected to miss most, if not all, of the season.
