Just In: Braves’ superhero makes stride toward recovery from injury

admin | April 24, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Sean Murphy is getting closer and closer to returning to the Braves.

The Atlanta Braves are on a roll this season, even without their sluggers, and first-string catcher Sean Murphy hasn’t played since he strained his oblique against the Philadelphia Phillies on Opening Day.

Although Murphy isn’t quite ready to return, he took a significant step toward going back behind the dish on Wednesday.

Via David O’Brien:

“Braves’ Sean Murphy has caught bullpen sessions the past two days, another progression in his rehab from left oblique strain. He’s making strong throws, but has yet to begin swinging a bat. No timetable, but Braves have luxury of being cautious because of d’Arnaud/Tromp combo.”

Obviously Murphy throwing the baseball at a high intensity is good, but until he’s actually swinging the bat, it’s hard to know when he’ll be back in the fold. When the injury did happen, skipper Brian Snitker knew he’d be out for a prolonged period:

“It’s going to be a while, holy cow,” Snitker said. “He’s a big strong guy. Hopefully, it’s sooner rather than later.

“I hate it for him,” Snitker said. “He had a really nice end to his spring and he was really feeling good, and it was just one of those freak things that happen in baseball.”

For the time being, the Braves are doing great at catcher, with both Travis D’Arnaud and Chadwick Chomp seeing action. D’Arnaud, however, is the preferred choice, having appeared in 19 games and hitting.293 with five home runs and fifteen RBI. The veteran is producing.

Braves are looking great

Atlanta’s major guns like Matt Olson, Austin Riley, and Ronald Acuna Jr all experienced poor beginnings to the campaign. But it hasn’t mattered. The Braves are 16-6 and lead the Majors in practically every offensive measure, including runs, hits, average, OBP, slugging, and OPS; Marcell Ozuna is a major reason for this. The DH is absolutely pulling the cover off the baseball while batting.In 22 appearances, he batted 326 with nine home runs and 27 RBIs.

D’Arnaud discussed how the main stars have yet to find their stride and believes Atlanta’s greatest baseball is still ahead of them, which is concerning for the rest of the majors.

Via The Athletic:

“It’s crazy, I feel like we’ve been playing good baseball, but I don’t feel like we’ve been playing as good as we can,” he added. “Obviously, Ozo has been carrying a heavy load of that. So, I believe that as the season progresses, we will inevitably improve. I believe it will be enjoyable as the season progresses and we find our stride. “And entertaining to watch.”

Sean Murphy is a key piece

The tandem of Murphy and D’Arnaud behind the plate is one of the greatest around. Murphy is an outstanding backstop who had a solid first campaign in Georgia last year, hitting .251 with 21 bombs and 68 RBI. The former Oakland Athletic has been chosen an All-Star.

Murphy is unlikely to begin a rehab assignment in the minors until early May, so his return to Atlanta could be delayed until the second half of next month. However, only time will tell.