The Atlanta Braves have gotten off to a great start this season with a series win over the Royals on opening weekend. Fans have already experienced an exciting comeback on Saturday, fueled by a walk-off grand slam by Dom Smith. There was so much emotion during the first weekend of the season. Things are looking up for Atlanta, and there are still players waiting to return from injury.
Sean Murphy is one of those players. He has been recovering all offseason from hip surgery. That injury caught a lot of people off guard, but it explained his drastic drop in offensive output over the last two years.
Braves could get a boost from Sean Murphy sooner than expected
Alex Anthopoulos was hesitant to provide a timeline for Murphy's return early in the spring. However, it seems the Braves are much more confident in his return than they initially expected to be. Murphy has progressed well in his healing journey, and he's set to make his first rehab assignment soon.
Braves insider Mark Bowman reported that Atlanta's catcher will join High-A Rome on Wednesday, April 1st. Yes, on April Fool's Day. However, it appears this is no joke for Murphy.
Sean Murphy will be with High-A Rome on Wednesday. The Braves haven’t decided if he’ll just take live BP or begin his rehab assignment that night. Either way, it looks like he’ll be back earlier than the previous projection of early May.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 30, 2026
Atlanta hasn't decided if he will simply take batting practice or if he will play in the game that night. Bowman stated that no matter what they decide, this means Murphy will likely return way ahead of previous projections of an early May return.
This is excellent news for the Braves offense. They've looked good without him, but adding him back into the fold will only lengthen the lineup. Jonah Heim is serviceable, but when Murph is at his best, he's one of the most dangerous hitters on the roster.
Drake Baldwin would still get more reps as the designated hitter, even with Murphy's return. Once Atlanta adds their veteran backstop, it should be time for Ha-Seong Kim to work his way back. When he's ready to return, this lineup might be one of the best in baseball.