The Braves haven’t missed a beat to begin the season, starting 3-1 following a win over the White Sox on Monday afternoon, but it hasn’t come without a cost. In last Friday’s season opener, Sean Murphy left the game and was subsequently placed on the IL with an oblique strain. Brian Snitker said on Saturday that the All-Star catcher will miss a good bit of time.
In his absence, Chadwick Tromp will back up Travis d’Arnaud in Atlanta, and the Braves have also signed a third catcher in Sandy Leon. Of note as well, Jackson Stephens, who chose to be released after the Braves assigned him to Gwinnett, has re-signed with the Braves.
Leon is a 12-year veteran with rather putrid offensive numbers, owning a career OPS of .586. However, he’s stuck around this long because of his work behind the plate. Hopefully, the Braves won’t have to rely on him, but it’s nice to have a trustworthy veteran as a third option if another injury is to take place.
Jackson Stephens being back with the organization is fantastic news. He was slated to earn the final spot in the bullpen before the Braves brought back Jesse Chavez. You can never have enough pitching in this league, and Stephens is a more than reliable option if one of the Braves current relievers goes down for any amount of time.
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