Sep 9, 2024; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy (12) blocks a pitch in the dirt against the Cincinnati Reds during the eighth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

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Atlanta Braves injury update: Sean Murphy out for Opening Day plus 4-6 weeks with cracked rib

Door is now wide open for Drake Baldwin

Injuries always find a way, and this is turning out to be that time in spring training. Atlanta Braves have just taken a big hit. Starting catcher Sean Murphy has suffered a cracked left rib and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks, meaning he’ll be absent on Opening Day. The Braves had enjoyed a relatively healthy spring until Monday morning when the news broke.

Murphy sustained the injury after being hit in the ribs by a 94.6 mph sinker during Friday’s game. Now, Atlanta will have to adjust their catching plans as they prepare to start the season without one of their key defensive assets.

Who will step up for Atlanta Braves?

As Mark Bowman reported, the Braves could turn to top prospect Drake Baldwin, who is the No. 32 prospect in baseball, according to CBS, heading into the 2025 season, to take on a larger role behind the plate. Alternatively, they might opt for a veteran presence, using non-roster invitee Curt Casali alongside Chadwick Tromp if Murphy’s recovery period ends up on the shorter side.

Sean Murphy will miss 4-6 weeks with a cracked left rib. Drake Baldwin will have a chance to begin the season as Atlanta’s starting catcher
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 3, 2025

Murphy’s injury adds to a frustrating trend since joining Atlanta. The former All-Star dealt with a significant oblique strain on Opening Day last season, keeping him sidelined for two months. Even after returning, he never seemed fully comfortable at the plate. He also missed some time in the summer of 2023 due to a minor hamstring strain.

On December 12, 2022, the Athletics traded Murphy to the Atlanta Braves in a three-team deal. In the trade, the Athletics received pitchers Kyle Muller and Freddy Tarnok, along with catcher Manny Piña and minor league pitcher Royber Salinas from the Braves, as well as utility player Esteury Ruiz from the Milwaukee Brewers.

Murphy’s absence compounds a bigger situation, which has Ronald Acuna Jr. absent. The Braves are set to begin the season without their star, Ronald Acuña Jr. along with ace Spencer Strider, both recovering from major injuries. Veteran reliever Joe Jiménez is also expected to miss most, if not all, of the season.

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With Murphy out for at least a month, the Braves will need to get creative with their catching situation. Could this be Drake Baldwin’s moment to shine?

Atlanta Braves

Injury

Sean Murphy

Mohsin Baldiwala

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Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.