Former Braves first round pick dominating once again since his return from injury

2022 MLB Draft
2022 MLB Draft | Kevork Djansezian/GettyImages

Pitching prospects who miss a calendar year worth of baseball can often be forgotten or surpassed by other organizational arms during their absence. For Atlanta Braves sixth ranked prospect, Owen Murphy, this certainly feels true.

Since Murphy underwent Tommy John Surgery in late May of 2024, pitching prospects like Didier Fuentes, Cam Caminiti, and others have stepped into the spotlight. Thankfully, since Murphy's return from injury a short time ago he seems determined to remind fans why he is one of the most exciting arms in the Braves system.

Owen Murphy once again dominating hitters should excite all of Braves country

Murphy, the 2022 first round pick and 20th overall selection, made his way back a couple weeks ago hoping to reestablish himself amongst the many Braves pitching prospects. Considering the significance of his injury and time missed, it would have been understandable if Murphy struggled for much of 2025.

Thankfully, Murphy looks like he never left and is once again dominating minor league hitters. Since his return Murphy has struck out half of the batters he has faced - 18 of 36, and allowed just three baserunners to the tune of a 0.26 WHIP.

All reports his stuff looks incredibly crisp, especially both his breaking balls (curveball and slider). The fastball was never an overpowering pitch, often sitting in the low 90s for velocity, but his high spin rate and command of that pitch has allowed him to breeze through opposing lineups.

His latest start for the High-A Rome Emperors was an absolute gem against the Greenville Drive. Murphy threw five no-hit innings while collecting five strikeouts and surrendering just one walk. This extended his scoreless streak to over 11 innings.

All of this success is reminiscent of his early 2024 work where he was leading the South Atlantic League in strikeouts (60 in 41 innings) pre injury. Hopefully, Murphy can continue this work and finish the season healthy while setting himself up for a jump to Double-A once the 2026 season begins.

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