Austin Riley and Sean Murphy both make positive steps towards recovering

The Braves are 27-17, which is disappointing, and they’ve done so despite dealing with injuries.

That’s the bar they’ve set for themselves after winning six consecutive division championships.

Spencer Strider, the Braves’ ace, is gone for the season. Sean Murphy, their All-Star catcher, hasn’t played since opening day. Meanwhile, Ozzie Albies, Pierce Johnson, and Austin Riley have all missed time. Few clubs could overcome all of that and remain 10 games above.500. The Braves have, and reinforcements are on the way.

Sean Murphy’s rehabilitation assignment begins today in Gwinnett. The plan is for him to catch five innings.

“Excited to be here and playing baseball again”

Sean Murphy starts his rehab assignment tonight with @GoStripers. pic.twitter.com/Eq6Ibt87UG

— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) May 21, 2024

Expect the Braves to ease Sean Murphy back into things gradually, just as they have throughout this process. He’ll work his way up to a full nine innings, and I expect they’ll want to see him catch on consecutive days before moving him to the active roster. His return to Atlanta appears to be on track for sometime next week.

Austin Riley also made progress in his comeback after leaving a game early due to midsection stiffness more than a week earlier. He began swinging the bat after engaging in fielding drills last week. Assuming no setbacks, he could be cleared to return as soon as this week.

Austin Riley is feeling better. He’s going to take swings with someone soft tossing a ball today.

— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) May 21, 2024

Despite showing some life on Monday against the Padres, the Braves offense has been dragging the team down over the previous month. Putting Austin Riley and Sean Murphy back in the middle of the order could be precisely what the Braves need to get things moving as we approach the summer months.