The Atlanta Braves just finished their three-game series with the Detroit Tigers, taking two out of three. They dropped the series finale, 5-2, and now head into a 10-day road trip.
Atlanta will begin the trip with a three-game set against the Colorado Rockies starting May 1. From there, they’ll head to face the Seattle Mariners for three games before wrapping things up in Los Angeles against the Dodgers.
The Mariners series could carry added significance, though, as the Braves may be on the verge of getting a key player back from the injured list.
Sean Murphy Could Return During Mariners Series
According to Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Chad Bishop, catcher Sean Murphy could make his return during the series in Seattle.
“Sean Murphy likely to rejoin the Braves in Seattle, says Walt Weiss,” Bishop reported.
Murphy has been rehabbing with the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers and appears to be trending in the right direction.
“#Braves catcher Sean Murphy is 5-for-13 with 2 doubles, 4 RBIs, and a BB in the past 3 G in Gwinnett. Walt Weiss said they’d reevaluate his status heading into the weekend series in Colorado and decide if he’ll be activated from the IL. Murphy’s rehab assignment ends Monday,” reporter Grant McAuley said.
Murphy’s delayed start to the season stems from surgery he underwent in September 2025 on his right hip to repair a torn labrum.
Braves Face Lineup Decisions With Murphy’s Return
Murphy’s return creates an interesting situation for Atlanta, as the lineup has found a rhythm without him. Second-year catcher Drake Baldwin has played extremely well, becoming one of the best hitters in all of baseball, while Jonah Heim has provided solid depth when called upon.
Murphy’s early role will likely come at designated hitter.
“Murphy should handle the lion’s share of starts at designated hitter for Atlanta and will also be worked in behind the plate as the team’s No. 2 catcher,” Rotowire reported.
That could leave Heim as the odd man out, especially with Dominic Smith swinging a hot bat. Smith is hitting .338 with four home runs and 17 RBI, making it difficult for the Braves to justify taking him out of the lineup.
McAuley did say there was a possibility of the Braves carrying three catchers, though.
“So, it’s an interesting calculus that Alex Anthopoulos is going to have to get not just Sean Murphy back but in two to three weeks — where does Ha-Seong Kim fit in and whose spot does his cause?” McAuley said, while on 92.9 The Game.
Atlanta will be hoping Murphy can eventually return to form and resemble the player they traded for from the Oakland Athletics in 2023.
Injuries have limited Murphy’s impact in recent seasons. He appeared in just 72 games in 2024 and 94 games in 2025. His production has also dipped, as his batting average with the Braves (.219) trails what he posted with the Athletics (.236).
Murphy hit .251 with 21 home runs and 68 RBI in 2023, but over the past two seasons, he has combined for a .197 average across 601 plate appearances, with 26 homers and 70 RBI.
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