Braves' Gold Glove, All-Star catcher nears return as Drake Baldwin's backup

Sean Murphy is starting a rehab assignment at High-A Rome as he recovers from a torn labrum in his right hip.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:22pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball catcher's gear and equipment broken down into overlapping, angular shapes in navy, green, and orange tones, conveying the fractured nature of the player's return from injury.The Braves' lineup could soon feature both their star catcher and his veteran backup, as Sean Murphy nears a return from injury.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Braves could soon have their Gold Glove, All-Star catcher Sean Murphy back as a backup to last year's NL Rookie of the Year, Drake Baldwin. Murphy, who underwent season-ending hip surgery in September, is starting a rehab assignment at High-A Rome as he works his way back to the major league roster.

Why it matters

The Braves' offense has struggled at the backup catcher position, with Jonah Heim hitting just .158 in 22 plate appearances this season. Murphy's return would provide a significant upgrade and allow the Braves to potentially use both him and Baldwin in the lineup, with one serving as the designated hitter.

The details

Murphy, 31, is entering the fourth season of a six-year, $73 million contract with the Braves. He posted a 4.0 bWAR with 21 home runs in an All-Star campaign in his first season with Atlanta in 2022, 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.

  • Murphy underwent season-ending surgery for a torn labrum in his right hip this past September.
  • On Tuesday morning, Atlanta announced that Murphy is starting a rehab assignment at High-A Rome.

The players

Sean Murphy

A 31-year-old catcher for the Atlanta Braves, entering the fourth season of a six-year, $73 million contract. He is a Gold Glove and All-Star catcher who is recovering from a torn labrum in his right hip.

Drake Baldwin

The Atlanta Braves' starting catcher and last year's NL Rookie of the Year.

Jonah Heim

A backup catcher for the Atlanta Braves who has struggled at the plate this season, hitting just .158 in 22 plate appearances.

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What’s next

If all goes well with Murphy's rehab assignment, he is expected to return to the Braves' roster and serve as the backup catcher behind Drake Baldwin.

The takeaway

The return of Sean Murphy, a Gold Glove and All-Star catcher, will provide a significant boost to the Braves' offense and allow them to potentially use both him and Drake Baldwin in the lineup, with one serving as the designated hitter.