The Atlanta Braves have made a change to their catching unit.
Atlanta announced on Monday that the team has activated Sean Murphy from the injured list. And, in a corresponding move, the team DFA’d Jonah Heim.
“The Braves today reinstated C Sean Murphy from the injured list after returning him from his rehabilitation assignment yesterday. The club designated C Jonah Heim for assignment,” the Braves announced on X.
Murphy will be making his season debut following his recovery from his surgery in September to repair a right hip labral tear. The star catcher is a key part of the Braves’ roster and will look to help Atlanta keep its hot streak going. Last season, Murphy hit .199 with 16 home runs and 45 RBIs last season as he only appeared in 94 games.
The corresponding move was designating Heim for assignment. Atlanta signed Heim to a one-year, $1.5 million contract in February to fill the void for Murphy. Heim hit .231 with 1 home run and 8 RBIs. He won the World Series in 2023 with the Texas Rangers.
Braves Fans React to Roster Moves
Murphy is a key part of the Braves’ roster when healthy, yet some fans are frustrated with the decision.
Atlanta is off to a 25-10 start and has the best record in baseball, so some fans don’t think they should be messing with anything.
“Don’t start changing the roster when you’re by far the best team in the game,” a fan wrote.
“DFA’ing Heim after the best game of his career is insane lol Especially considering Baldwin and Murphy will likely platoon C/DH, you could justify carrying 3 catchers at least for the time being,” a fan added.
“Murphy contract is the only thing thats saving him from being DFA,” a fan wrote.
“Poor Jonah! Hopefully Sean gets traded later. I am worried he will mess up the good vibe. Not a fan!,” a fan added.
Murphy is a one-time All-Star and won a Gold Glove Award in 2021, but some fans wonder if he’s better than Heim.
“Heim starts to hit and we bring back Murphy to hit sub .200. Solid move AA,” a fan wrote.
“Heim will be back!! Murphy will get hurt again,” a fan added.
“Not sure this actually makes us better but it had to happen. Best of luck to Jonah,” a fan wrote.
“This just removes him from the 40-man roster, giving them seven days to trade or waive Heim. Then they could re-sign him to a minor league contract if he’s available,” a fan noted.
The Braves are set to begin a three-game road series against the Seattle Mariners on Monday.
Atlanta Atop Power Rankings
After missing the playoffs last season, the Braves are atop the standings and MLB.com’s power rankings.
The Braves are atop the rankings for the first time in three years, as Atlanta is off to a hot start.
“Seriously: Remember 2021 and ’22, both years that the Braves won the NL East? (You may remember them winning the World Series the first of those years.) Well, the Braves never had a division lead either season as large as they have right now — an 8 1/2-game lead over the Marlins,” the power rankings article read.
The Braves are coming off a series sweep of the Colorado Rockies.
Braves DFA World Series Champion After Making Decision on Sean Murphy