Braves catcher Sean Murphy is starting a rehab assignment, signaling his return as Drake Baldwin's backup. Murphy, a Gold Glove and All-Star player, is recovering from hip surgery and could replace struggling backup Jonah Heim soon.
Braves' Gold Glove, All-Star catcher nearing return as Drake Baldwin's backup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Braves could use an offensive upgrade at backup catcher.
In 22 trips to the plate, Jonah Heim is hitting just .158/.273/.211 with one extra-base hit. Heim signed a one-year contract with the NL East club, adding insurance behind Drake Baldwin, last year's NL Rookie of the Year.
Heim's tenure with the Braves could be nearing an end. On Tuesday morning, Atlanta announced that Sean Murphy is starting a rehab assignment at High-A Rome.
Murphy, 31, is entering the fourth season of a six-year, $73 million contract with the Braves. He underwent season-ending surgery for a torn labrum in his right hip this past September.
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Following a breakout offensive season in 2022, the Athletics traded Murphy to the Braves in a three-team deal.
He posted a 4.0 bWAR with 21 home runs in an All-Star campaign in his first season with Atlanta, and managed to connect for 16 home runs in 94 games in 2025 while battling oblique and rib injuries.
If all goes according to plan, Murphy will slot behind Baldwin when he returns from his rehab assignment. There were several instances in 2025 when the Braves penciled in one of the two at DH, while the other started behind the plate.
Sean Murphy is currently starting a rehab assignment at High-A Rome as he recovers from hip surgery.
Jonah Heim is hitting just .158 with one extra-base hit in 22 plate appearances, indicating a struggle in his performance.
Sean Murphy is in the fourth season of a six-year, $73 million contract with the Braves.
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