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The injury problems just will not stop for Sean Murphy. The Atlanta Braves announced that their former MLB All-Star catcher has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a fractured left middle finger, just days after returning from another lengthy injury absence. And honestly, the timing couldn’t be more frustrating for Atlanta.
MORE: MLB first base power rankings entering week 8
Murphy had only recently returned from rehab following offseason hip surgery. Now? He’s headed right back to the injured list after appearing in only four games. The injury reportedly occurred during Sunday’s game when Hyeseong Kim made contact with Murphy’s glove on a catcher’s interference play.
Initially, the Braves believed the injury might not be serious. But further testing revealed a fracture, forcing Atlanta to shut Murphy down again.
Apr 25, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy (12) hits a double against the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Murphy’s talent has never been the issue. When healthy, he remains one of baseball’s better two-way catchers and was an All-Star for Atlanta back in 2023. The problem is that staying healthy has become increasingly difficult. Murphy has now dealt with:
He played fewer than 95 games in both 2024 and 2025 because of recurring injuries. Now 2026 is off to another brutal start.
Atlanta suddenly finds itself thin behind the plate again. While Murphy was previously injured, the Braves relied heavily on Drake Baldwin and Jonah Heim. But when Murphy returned earlier this month, Atlanta designated Heim for assignment and eventually traded him to the Athletics.
Now Murphy is hurt again, leaving Baldwin as the primary catcher with very little established depth behind him. Baldwin is an elite catcher in the game right now; it is the lack of depth and ability to give him days off that will hurt the Braves.
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy (12) breaks his bat on a ground out against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
To address the situation, the Braves signed veteran catcher Sandy León to a Major League deal. Atlanta also selected the contract of José Azócar and optioned Jim Jarvis. The moves filled both open spots on the Braves’ 40-man roster.
The Braves have remained one of baseball’s best teams despite injuries piling up throughout the roster. But Murphy’s situation is becoming increasingly concerning long-term. Not because of his ability. Because of availability. Sean Murphy barely had time to return before landing back on the injured list again.
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MORE: MLB first base power rankings entering week 8
Murphy Injured Again Just Four Games After Return
Murphy had only recently returned from rehab following offseason hip surgery. Now? He’s headed right back to the injured list after appearing in only four games. The injury reportedly occurred during Sunday’s game when Hyeseong Kim made contact with Murphy’s glove on a catcher’s interference play.
Initially, the Braves believed the injury might not be serious. But further testing revealed a fracture, forcing Atlanta to shut Murphy down again.
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Apr 25, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy (12) hits a double against the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Injuries Continue to Derail Murphy’s Career
Murphy’s talent has never been the issue. When healthy, he remains one of baseball’s better two-way catchers and was an All-Star for Atlanta back in 2023. The problem is that staying healthy has become increasingly difficult. Murphy has now dealt with:
- Hip problems
- Multiple IL stints in recent years
- Surgeries
- Lingering durability concerns
He played fewer than 95 games in both 2024 and 2025 because of recurring injuries. Now 2026 is off to another brutal start.
Braves Forced to Scramble at Catcher
Atlanta suddenly finds itself thin behind the plate again. While Murphy was previously injured, the Braves relied heavily on Drake Baldwin and Jonah Heim. But when Murphy returned earlier this month, Atlanta designated Heim for assignment and eventually traded him to the Athletics.
Now Murphy is hurt again, leaving Baldwin as the primary catcher with very little established depth behind him. Baldwin is an elite catcher in the game right now; it is the lack of depth and ability to give him days off that will hurt the Braves.
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May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy (12) breaks his bat on a ground out against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Atlanta Makes Multiple Roster Moves
To address the situation, the Braves signed veteran catcher Sandy León to a Major League deal. Atlanta also selected the contract of José Azócar and optioned Jim Jarvis. The moves filled both open spots on the Braves’ 40-man roster.
The Braves have remained one of baseball’s best teams despite injuries piling up throughout the roster. But Murphy’s situation is becoming increasingly concerning long-term. Not because of his ability. Because of availability. Sean Murphy barely had time to return before landing back on the injured list again.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
