Braves’ Sean Murphy Heading to Injured List

The Atlanta Braves were the best team during the regular season last year but fell short in the playoffs. They were bounced out in the NLDS by the Philadelphia Phillies, ending what was a very successful season. They spent their offseason trying to reload the roster to make sure that they didn’t have another exit postseason exit.

But they will be facing their first big challenge of the season, as All-Star catcher Sean Murphy will be heading to the 10-day injured list with a strained left oblique muscle. Murphy sustained the injury during the seventh inning of the Braves’ Opening Day win over the Phillies on Friday afternoon. The veteran took a weird swing, which resulted in him hurting himself.

The Braves have enough talent to overcome his absence for a short period, but the hope is that this injury doesn’t linger. Atlanta will likely be cautious with him throughout his recovery process, as they want to make sure their star can come back strong. Braves manager Brian Snitker is already preparing to be without his top backstop for a while.

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

Last season, Murphy appeared in 108 games, hitting 251 with 21 home runs and 68 runs batted in. He made his first All-Star appearance, showing the Braves his true potential throughout the year. It was his first season with the Braves after spending four years with the Oakland Athletics.

“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.”

The Braves’ catching depth will be tested with this injury, but luckily, they have veteran Travis d’Arnaud on the roster. The 2022 All-Star should be able to hold down the fort until Murphy can return. Last year, he played in 74 games, hitting .225 with 11 home runs and 39 runs batted in for Atlanta.

Atlanta will need to keep pace with teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets in the race for the NL East while Murphy is out. Even with the year just having started, every game matters when it comes to head-to-head matchups and seeding at the end of the year. The hope is that Murphy won’t be out for long, so the Braves will keep their fingers crossed.