Injuries & Moves: Updates on Riley, Murphy
LATEST NEWS
May 21: 3B Austin Riley cleared to begin swinging again
Riley was cleared to begin taking controlled soft-toss swings in the batting cage on Tuesday. If all goes well, he could be cleared to take regular batting practice on the field within the next day or two. Once the Braves are confident he is swinging without discomfort they could put him back in the lineup for the first time since his left intercostal muscle tightened and forced him to exit a May 12 game against the Mets. The veteran third baseman hasn't felt any discomfort while running, throwing and fielding over the past few days.
May 21: LHP Ray Kerr optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett, RHP Daysbel Hernández recalled from Triple-A
With Kerr unavailable to pitch through at least Thursday, the Braves decided to send him down and make room for Hernandez to serve as a fresh bullpen arm for the next few days. Kerr has made a strong impression while posting a 2.89 ERA in four appearances this month. He has recorded 10 strikeouts and issued no walks over 9 1/3 innings. He completed three-plus innings in his two most recent appearances for Atlanta and he went three innings for Gwinnett on May 1. The Braves could keep him stretched out to provide another starting option. None of the four current members of Atlanta's rotation will be available to pitch on Thursday or Friday. But the only way Kerr could be available to start on Friday against the Pirates would be if he is called back up to replace somebody placed on the injured list.
May 20: RHP Darius Vines recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett; RHP Bryce Elder optioned
Vines was added to Atlanta's active roster before the second game of Monday's doubleheader against the Padres. If he isn't needed out of the bullpen over the next few days, he would be a candidate to start Thursday's game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Vines has a 3.27 ERA in four career starts. He allowed five earned runs and totaled 9 2/3 innings in two starts this year. Elder was sent back down after allowing seven runs -- six earned -- in just three innings against the Padres on Sunday. The 2023 All-Star allowed six-plus earned runs in two of his past three outings.
May 20: RHP Daysbel Hernández added as 27th man for doubleheader
Hernandez was appointed as the 27th man for Monday's split doubleheader against the Padres. The right-handed reliever will provide much-needed depth, as Atlanta went to its bullpen in the fifth inning or earlier in each of the three games that immediately preceded Monday's twin bill.
10-day/15-day IL
C Sean Murphy (left oblique strain)
Expected return: Next week
Murphy began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday. He was expected to catch for 4-5 innings and then take the day off on Wednesday. He will catch 5-6 innings on Thursday and then serve as a designated hitter on Friday. The 2023 All-Star catcher might catch at least one more game this weekend. If all goes well, he could be activated as early as Monday. He has been out since straining his left oblique on Opening Day. (Last updated: May 21)
LHP Tyler Matzek (left elbow soreness)
Expected return: TBD
Matzek posted a 9.90 ERA and produced some concerning hard-hit metrics over 11 appearances. The Braves are hoping he is just going through one of the phases that often follows Tommy John surgery. He'll be given at least a couple weeks to rest his arm. (Last updated: May 7)
RHP Spencer Strider (right ulnar collateral ligament)
Expected return: 2025
After visiting Dr. Keith Meister on April 8, Strider underwent internal brace surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow on April 12 and will miss the rest of the 2024 season. (Last updated: April 13)
60-day IL
LHP Angel Perdomo (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: 2025
Perdomo was transferred to the 60-day injured list on May 4. He is recovering from the Tommy John surgery he underwent last fall and will miss the entire 2024 season. (Last updated: May 4)