“Injury bug hits again” – Sean Murphy sidelined for 2025 season opening due to cracked rib, fans react

Sean Murphy gets sidelined prior to the 2025 regular season due to a rib injury in the game between Atlanta vs. Marlins.

“Injury bug hits again” – Sean Murphy sidelined for 2025 season opening due to cracked rib, fans react

Sean Murphy [Image Credit: Battery Power]

Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy is expected to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks following a rib injury in a recent game against the Miami Marlins. Braves manager Brian Snitker announced on Monday that they’ll once again begin the regular season without Murphy.

It’ll be the second consecutive time that the 30-year-old will miss the opening day for 2025. He got injured on Friday during the game against the Marlins from a 94-mph sinker by William Kempner.

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Although the Atlanta Braves won the game by 7-2 in the fourth inning, they unfortunately lost their catcher in the process. Over the last few seasons, the team had both Sean Murphy and Travis d’Arnaud to back up each other, but the team let the latter walk away in free agency.

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He is currently signed with the Los Angeles Angels, and the Atlanta Braves are already puzzled about their catcher position even before the start of the season. Murphy’s return timeline can possibly extend as cracked ribs can take time to heal. The fans are upset about the news and are hoping to see a replacement, likely top prospect Drake Baldwin, to take charge on the field.

Social media reacts to Sean Murphy’s rib injury

Atlanta Braves top prospect Drake Baldwin seems ready for the big league, but whether the team will position him for the start of the season remains unknown. Fans are expecting to see him on the field, as his records have been consistently good over the past season.

Sean Murphy [Image Credit: Battery Power]
Sean Murphy [Image Credit: Battery Power]

Braves manager Brian Snitker said that Baldwin “might have to be” ready for the 2025 season in case they don’t find another replacement for Murphy. So far, he has recorded .276 batting with .793 OPS, 19 doubles, 16 HRs, and 88 RBI.

One X user noted on Murphy’s injury, “Injury bug hits again as they already trying to get guys back.” Another added, “Unfortunate, but give Baldwin his chance.” Check more fan reactions below:

Snitker is confident in Baldwin’s entry to the big league as he expressed that the rookie has matured enough during his time from Double-A to Triple-A. For now, the fans will have to wait and see if the Braves bring the rookie into the fold or go for a trade prior to the season opening.