Braves Rumors: Sean Murphy update, Cardinals trade target, emergency plans
Braves Rumors: Sean Murphy injury looking optimistic with early updates
Braves catcher Sean Murphy, en route to the first All-Star appearance of his year after a phenomenal first season in Atlanta, left the team’s game on Saturday against the Rockies in the third inning after blasting a sure double to the wall, but pulling up limp at first base. He was removed from the game with Travis d’Arnaud taking over his duties.
Initially, the reports called it left hamstring tightness for Murphy, which seemed to be somewhat good news that it wasn’t feared to be a tear or even a pull of anything. In the aftermath, that optimism has continued.
On Sunday, the Braves elected not to put Murphy on the IL, but did call up Chadwick Tromp from Triple-A Gwinnett while designating fan-favorite Charlie Culberson for assignment as the corresponding move.
#Braves didn’t put Murphy on IL, meaning they believe his hamstring strain isn’t serious enough to warrant that move. Tromp gives them a backup option until Murphy’s ready. Culberson hadn’t played since being brought from Triple A a few weeks ago. https://t.co/5UG7GN9jfp
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) June 18, 2023
Now, there’s no guarantee that Murphy won’t go on the IL. They have until Wednesday to monitor the catcher’s progress and retroactively put him out going back to Sunday. Having said that, it’s a good sign that the Braves aren’t rushing that decision yet, indicating that there is a belief that some rest for a few days could do the trick before he returns to the lineup.
Tromp will serve as the backup while d’Arnaud takes over the catching duties in Murphy’s absence. But in the long run, it seems like Atlanta may have well dodged a bullet with the injury to their All-Star catcher.