Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy is one step closer to returning to the starting lineup but will remain on the injured list, according to Braves manager Walt Weiss.
When speaking with reporters including Chad Bishop of the Atlanta Journal-Constituion, Weiss shared that Murphy was able to catch for three innings in a simulation game with Atlanta's High-A affiliate team as timetable for his return is still unknown.
Murphy had been dealing with a right hip labral tear, an injury he suffered years ago but never disclosed to the organization. Throughout the 2025 MLB season, the injury progressively worsened, affecting Murphy's playing ability.
Despite the discomfort, Murphy continued to play throughout the season but struggled a lot on the field. At the end of the season, Murphy underwent surgery to repair his hip.
The surgery meant that Murphy would likely miss the start of the 2026 season as he continued his recovery. With Murphy being out of the lineup, the Braves have relied on Drake Baldwin to replace him as catcher while Murphy continues to be monitored for a possible return.
Murphy was at one point considered on the best catchers in MLB. His recorded fWAR of 13.5 between 2021 and 2023 was one of the best the league had ever seen during that period.
In 2021, while still playing for the Athletics, Murphy won the Gold Glove award for his amazing performances on defense. Murphy would follow that up by being named to the All-Star team in 2023 during his first year as a member of the Braves.
Even though injuries have set him back the past few years, Murphy remained committed to helping Atlanta in any way he could. However, the injuries proved to be too much, causing his defensive performances to slip.
© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Now a bit older and on the road to recovery, Murphy will look to find that spark that made him one of the elite catchers in MLB at one point in his career. Without Murphy on the lineup, the Braves have been affected without his presence, but not everything is bad news in Atlanta.
Despite Murphy's absence, the Braves have started off the season on a positive note. The Braves are second in the NL East with a 5-1 record, sitting only half a game behind the Miami Marlins.
