ATLANTA -- Sean Murphy took another step toward returning to Atlanta’s roster when he began a Minor League rehab assignment with High-A Rome on Tuesday.
Murphy went hitless in two at-bats and he caught four innings. He is slated to be back behind the plate to catch five innings for the Emperors on Thursday. Murphy’s starting pitcher that night will be Spencer Strider, who will begin his own rehab assignment with a 45-50 pitch appearance.
Braves manager Walt Weiss said Murphy will catch again on Saturday and then serve as Rome’s designated hitter on Sunday.
The Braves haven’t revealed any other specifics about Murphy’s return timetable. The 2023 All-Star catcher will likely need to catch nine innings in back-to-back games before he is activated.
Murphy underwent surgery in September to repair a torn labrum in his right hip. Recovery-related limitations at the start of Spring Training prevented him from being ready for the start of this season.
When Murphy returns, the Braves could choose to keep Jonah Heim around. Heim’s availability could give Weiss some flexibility when Drake Baldwin is being used as the designated hitter. Another option would be to bid adieu to Heim and keep utility man Kyle Farmer, who could be used as an emergency catcher.