Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy has reached another step in his recovery, but he remains weeks away from returning to baseball activities after suffering a fractured middle finger on his left hand. According to Braves reporter Grant McAuley, Murphy no longer wears a cast and has transitioned to a protective splint.
While that marks progress in his recovery, Braves manager Walt Weiss said the 31-year-old still faces several more weeks before he can resume any baseball work as Atlanta continues to take a cautious approach with one of its most experienced players. Murphy suffered the injury in mid-May, only days after returning from another lengthy absence. The injury marked another setback in what has been a frustrating period for Murphy.
His 2025 season ended early when he chose to undergo hip surgery to address an issue that had bothered him for several years. The procedure kept him out through the offseason and delayed the start of his 2026 campaign.
The catcher finally returned to Atlanta's lineup in early May and looked ready to reestablish himself behind the plate. However, just eight days after making his season debut, he fractured the middle finger on his left hand and landed back on the injured list.
The Braves have felt the impact of his absence, as he has been one of the club's most valuable catchers since arriving in Atlanta. During the 2024 season, he hit 21 home runs, drove in 68 runs and posted a .742 OPS while continuing to provide strong defense behind the plate.
Murphy's ability to manage a pitching staff and contribute power from the catcher position makes him an important part of Atlanta's lineup. Before the injury, he appeared in just seven games for Atlanta this season.
He hit .240 with two home runs, five RBIs, a .360 on-base percentage, a .560 slugging percentage and a .920 OPS during that brief stretch. His production offered an early reminder of the power and run production he brings when healthy. With Murphy sidelined and rookie Drake Baldwin also recovering from an oblique injury, Atlanta has turned to catchers Sandy León and Chadwick Tromp to handle most of the workload.
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Weiss also provided a positive update on Baldwin, saying the young catcher could return during the club's next homestand in a couple of weeks if his recovery continues without setbacks. At the time of his injury, the reigning National League Rookie of the Year was batting .303 with a .932 OPS, 13 home runs and 38 RBIs.
His OPS is still third in the National League behind James Wood (.952) and Kyle Schwarber (.940). Atlanta has remained competitive despite the injuries. Entering Tuesday, the Braves ranked among the National League's best pitching staffs, carrying a 3.22 team ERA and a 1.20 WHIP.
