Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Sean Murphy homers in first rehab start

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Chase Irle | Last updated 5/22/24

The Braves offense has been essentially dormant for about a month, and yesterday’s 0-14 performance with runners in scoring position perfectly encapsulates the struggles this team is going through. They could desperately use a boost, and one might be coming very soon.

Last night, All-Star catcher Sean Murphy began his rehab assignment with the Gwinnett Stripers, and in his first at-bat, he hit a near 450-foot moonshot to dead center field.

pic.twitter.com/JHyjTajg7p

— SportsTalkATL.com (@SportsTalkATL) May 21, 2024

Sean Murphy also threw out a would-be base stealer in the third inning.

Launching homers and nabbing runners.

Spread the news: Sean Murphy is back. pic.twitter.com/35AJa853j1

— Gwinnett Stripers (@GoStripers) May 21, 2024

The expectation was for Sean Murphy to catch five innings. He went on to finish seven, and after the game, he said this felt about as good as possible in his first game back.

“I feel great. About as good as you could hope for, I think. Bat speed was there, I did everything behind the plate I wanted to do. It was good.”

Sean Murphy after hitting a homer during his first rehab at bat with @GoStripers pic.twitter.com/oT9UvQ2Kby

— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) May 22, 2024

Originally, I thought the Braves might ease Sean Murphy back into things. But the fact that he caught seven innings last night and looked as impressive as he did, combined with the Braves struggles, this process could be expedited. Providing there are no setbacks, Murphy should be in Atlanta very soon, which will be a huge boost for both the offense and the pitching staff.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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