On Tuesday morning, it was officially announced that highly-touted Atlanta Braves pitching prospect Spencer Schwellenbach would be on the move within the organization, as the former second round pick was promoted from High-A Rome to Double-A Mississippi.
Schwellenbach, the Braves No. 3 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, certainly impressed across his six starts with the Emperors to begin the 2024 season, posting a 2-1 record with a 2.53 ERA and 34:9 K:BB ratio over 32 IP. The right-hander also held opponents to a combined .215 AVG against, with this only continuing his impressive level of play that he showcased toward the end of 2023 in Rome, as he held a 1.98 ERA and 14:1 K:BB ratio across 13.2 IP (three starts).
Now set to potentially continue that same success in Mississippi, is there a chance that a familiar face alongside Schwellenbach in that Rome rotation also be on the move to Double-A in the near future?
Is Owen Murphy set for a Double-A promotion?
Well, if you've followed the Atlanta Braves minor league system, in particular the Rome Emperors, so far this season, then you'll likely know that the player talked about previously is Owen Murphy.
The Braves No. 5 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Murphy is a former first round pick by Atlanta from the 2022 MLB Draft, and is currently enjoying arguably the strongest start to the season out of anyone across the organization's minor league system.
Pitching in High-A Rome, Murphy has also made six starts for the Emperors so far this season where he owns a combined 3-2 record with a 1.82 ERA and 49:12 K:BB ratio across 34.2 IP. Murphy is also holding opponents to only a combined .127 AVG against, and has a WHIP that sits at 0.78.
Owning numbers that are arguably better than some of Schwellenbach's, it's clear that Murphy is a name to watch for that could also be on the move within Atlanta's system in the near future. Will that come sooner rather than later?