The Braves are 27-17, which feels disappointing, and they’ve done it while being riddled with injuries. That’s the kind of standard they’ve set for themselves after winning six straight division titles.
The Braves’ ace, Spencer Strider, is out for the season. Their All-Star catcher, Sean Murphy, has not played since Opening Day. While Ozzie Albies, Pierce Johnson, and Austin Riley have all missed time. Not many teams could overcome all of that and still be ten games over .500. The Braves have, and reinforcements are coming.
Today, Sean Murphy’s rehab assignment begins 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
Like this entire process, expect the Braves to ease Sean Murphy back into things slowly. He’ll work his way up to a full nine innings, and I imagine they’ll want to see him catch back-to-back days before adding him to the active roster. Sometime next week seems like a reasonable timetable for his return to Atlanta.
Austin Riley also took a positive step in his recovery after exiting a game early with soreness in his midsection over a week ago. He’s progressed to swinging the bat after participating in fielding drills last week. Assuming there are no setbacks, he could be cleared to return as early 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 holding the team back over the last month. Adding Austin Riley and Sean Murphy back into the middle of the order could be just the boost the Braves need to get things rolling as we head into the summer months.
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Photographer: Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire
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