Braves Make Intriguing Owen Murphy Decision

Murphy, 22, has only pitched twice since making his MLB debut on July 6 against the New York Mets. In that game, Murphy entered in the top of the 10th inning with a ghost runner at second base. He retired the first two hitters before hitting Jared Young on an 0-2 pitch. The next batter, Luis Torrens, then delivered a two-strike, go-ahead two-run double in New York's 7-6 win.

Though that outing was rough, Murphy bounced back with a perfect three-inning relief appearance against the St. Louis Cardinals on July 11. He retired all nine hitters he faced while striking out three and throwing 35 of his 47 pitches for strikes.

On the season, Murphy is 0-1 with a 2.25 ERA and 0.25 WHIP across four innings. He has allowed two runs (one earned), struck out four, and has yet to issue a walk. Opponents are also hitting just .077 against the young right-hander.

The Braves hope Murphy can become a sorely needed solution for their ravaged starting rotation. While Sale has continued to dominate, earning his third All-Star selection with Atlanta in as many seasons, the rest of the Braves' rotation has not seen as much success.

Most notably, Bryce Elder has struggled more as the season progressed. After posting a 1.97 ERA through his first 11 starts, Elder owns an 8.47 ERA over his last seven starts. The home run ball has become his kryptonite, as he surrendered 10 home runs during that span, including at least one in each of his last six starts.

Meanwhile, injuries continue to test Atlanta's starting pitching depth. Spencer Schwellenbach (surgery to remove bone spurs from his right elbow) and AJ Smith-Shawver (Tommy John surgery) have not pitched all season.

Elsewhere, Martín Pérez (left forearm contusion) and Spencer Strider (right elbow inflammation) are on the 15-day and 60-day injured lists, respectively.

Ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline, it appears Atlanta will move forward with a rotation consisting of Sale, Holmes, Elder, Reynaldo López, and potentially Murphy.

Murphy worked exclusively as a starting pitcher in the minors before Atlanta utilized him as a reliever after his call-up. Before reaching the majors this season, Murphy posted a 4.44 ERA across 81 innings in 16 starts between Double-A Columbus and Triple-A Gwinnett.

While the Braves will likely remain active in pursuing starting pitching help ahead of the deadline, Murphy could emerge as an internal option to help stabilize Atlanta's rotation.