Sean Murphy status for Cubs series uncertain, Eli White in concussion protocol

TL;DR

Catcher Sean Murphy's status for the upcoming Cubs series is uncertain due to a potential hand injury, while outfielder Eli White is in concussion protocol after leaving the game against the Dodgers.

Key points

Sean Murphy's injury status is uncertain ahead of the Cubs series.
Eli White is in concussion protocol after leaving the game against the Dodgers.
Chadwick Tromp or Sandy Leon may replace Murphy if he is unable to play.

Sean MurphyEli WhiteAtlanta BravesChicago Cubs

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 10: Sean Murphy #12 of the Atlanta Braves wears pink Mother's Day protective gear prior to the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, May 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jessie Alcheh/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images Catcher Sean Murphy has had rotten injury luck since joining the Atlanta Braves via trade prior to the 2023 season. He’s only once played in more than 100 games since becoming a Braves and in 2026 he made his season debut on this past road trip after missing the end of the 2025 season and the start this year due to hip surgery. In today’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers – at 7-2 victory for the second consecutive day – Murphy was called for a catcher’s interference when Hyeseong Kim’s bat nicked Murphy and he was replaced behind the plate by Drake Baldwin, who’d been the designated hitter. The impact may have injured Murphy’s hand more than originally believed. Although initial reports were positive, late Sunday evening Mark Bowman posted that the Braves won’t have an update on Murphy’s injury until Tuesday. With former Braves catcher Jonah Heim designated for assignment, and then traded to the West Sacramento Athletics when Murphy returned from the IL, if Murphy misses time, the Braves could bring up or , both veteran backstops have been stashed at Triple-A since the end of Spring Training. If Murphy’s injury causes him to miss significant time, the Braves may be back in the market for a high-end back-up catcher. Outfielder , who’s wall-crashing catch in right field with two outs and the bases loaded in the sixth inning prevented the Dodgers from scoring, is in the concussion protocol after exiting the game in the eighth inning, according to multiple reports, including from Bowman. If White missed a few games, the Braves could opt to activate ahead of the series on Tuesday, since multiple players on Atlanta’s bench can cover the outfield. Kim himself is looking to make his season debut as soon as he is deemed ready after being on a rehab assignment. Outfielder Ronald Acuńa, Jr., who has been on the IL with a hamstring strain, is eligible to be activated next week, but he may not be ready by the time his 10-day stint is up.

Q&A

What is Sean Murphy's injury status for the Cubs series?

Sean Murphy's injury status is uncertain, and the Braves will provide an update on his condition by Tuesday.

Why is Eli White in concussion protocol?

Eli White is in concussion protocol after exiting the game against the Dodgers due to a wall-crashing catch that may have caused the injury.

Who could replace Sean Murphy if he misses games?

If Sean Murphy misses time, the Braves may call up Chadwick Tromp or Sandy Leon from Triple-A as potential replacements.