The Brave Receive Positive Injury News on Missing Batters and Relievers

The Atlanta Braves are healthier.

During today’s pregame press conference, we received some good news regarding several missing players from Atlanta, both on the injured list and simply held out for precautionary reasons.

The biggest news concerns receiver Sean Murphy. Absent since the opening of the season in Atlanta due to an oblique strain, he has gradually increased his physical activity in recent weeks and is preparing to take the last step before returning: a rehabilitation mission. Manager Brian Snitker confirmed Murphy would go on a minor league rehab assignment “next week.” With Triple-A Gwinnett being at home to face Jacksonville (Marlins affiliate), this is the likely choice for Murphy. It is unclear how long he will need in rehab before he is deemed ready to return to the Major League; Considering he’s already missed 39 games, it’s probably a matter of timing at the plate.

Another piece of good news for Atlanta on the injured list concerns reliever Peirce Johnson. Placed on IL on May 4 with “elbow inflammation”, Johnson is reportedly feeling much better and could return as early as Friday, the first day he is eligible. According to the Braves present at Truist Park, he threw live batting practice with Chadwick Tromp and Zack Shorbefore today’s match and said that although the decision was not his, looks like it will be ready to activate on friday.

The latest positive injury update comes from Austin Riley, who is said to be feeling “much better” after Monday’s MRI was good news. Originally reported as “left side tightness” on Sunday when he was removed, it is technically an “inflammation” and has not been specifically linked to the oblique, the injury that has kept Sean Murphy out all the season.

Atlanta 26-13 despite Murphy’s injury, thanks to solid contributions from Travis d’Arnaud and Chadwick Tromp behind the plate. They’ve won six of their last seven games while getting incredible pitching performances despite Johnson’s absence, although you can see the cascading effect his absence has had on the bullpen – Dylan Lee has notched his first two catches of 2024 this week while being used in higher leverage spots, while Atlanta has been knocked out twice since Johnson’s absence – once against Jesse Chavez (by the Dodgers of Los Angeles in the 11th inning) and once against AJ Minter (by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 9th inning). ).