Braves Update: Sean Murphy Leaves Season Opener Early Due to Suspected Injury
The Atlanta Braves faced a setback as Sean Murphy, their 2023 All-Star, had to exit the first game of the season prematurely due to an apparent injury. This unfortunate incident occurred during Thursday’s match when Murphy took an awkward swing in the late innings.
Specifically, in the seventh inning against the Phillies, just before the Braves staged a two-run comeback to level the score, Murphy’s swing caused him immediate discomfort, leading him to drop his bat in pain. He then made his way to the dugout with a visible limp, clutching his side. Following a brief consultation with the Braves’ trainer, Murphy proceeded to leave the game and head into the clubhouse. Travis d’Arnaud took over behind the plate with a 1-2 count.
Approximately twenty minutes after his departure from the field, the Braves officially announced that Murphy had left the Opening Day matchup due to tightness in his left oblique.
This development raises concerns about how the Braves will manage if Murphy’s injury requires an Injured List (IL) stint. While the team boasts considerable depth in the catching position, losing Murphy for an extended period could pose a significant challenge.
Travis d’Arnaud, an All-Star in 2022, would likely assume the primary catching duties if Murphy needs to be sidelined. However, considering the Braves’ busy schedule with 19 games in the first 20 days of the season, the backup catcher would also see substantial playing time.
As of now, the Braves do not have another catcher listed on the 40-man roster. Nevertheless, Chadwick Tromp, who saw some action with Atlanta last season and is currently with Triple-A Gwinnett, could be called up if needed.
Sean Murphy’s performance with the Braves was impressive in the first half of the previous season, displaying a slash line of .306/.400/.599 with a 166 wRC+. Despite a dip in form later on, he concluded 2023 with a solid 129 wRC+ and a 4.2 fWAR, ranking among the top catchers in fWAR.
Fans and the team alike are hopeful that Murphy will recover swiftly and continue his impactful contributions to the Braves’ success in the ongoing season, aiming for consistent performance throughout.
