Braves catcher Sean Murphy eyes full recovery by spring after successful hip surgery
After undergoing successful surgery, Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy is on the path to recovery, with hopes of being ready for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, the return of a key member from the bullpen remains uncertain.
Recovery Timeline for Sean Murphy
Sean Murphy is now in recovery mode following his surgery to repair a right hip labral tear. Braves manager Brian Snitker provided an update, noting that they will assess Murphy’s progress over the next four to five months. This timeline suggests that his rehabilitation could extend into January or February, just in time for Spring Training.
Murphy will remain in Nashville during his recovery. Snitker emphasized the importance of patience, stating that “time will tell how it all pans out.” The organization is optimistic that Murphy will be fit to participate in Spring Training, where pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report in mid-February. While the goal is for him to be ready by then, it’s possible he may need additional time to fully recover.
For the last three years, Murphy has dealt with this nagging injury, which worsened in the month leading up to his procedure. His performance had declined noticeably in the final games of the season, with a batting average of .199 and a .709 OPS, including 16 home runs and 45 RBIs. However, these overall numbers might not tell the whole story. Earlier in the season, he had shown promise, batting .233 with an .823 OPS as of July 31. Unfortunately, a slump saw him go 4-for-59 (.068) with just one extra-base hit after that point.
While it’s clear the injury affected him, Murphy has demonstrated the potential for explosive performance, having hit five home runs in an eight-game stretch earlier this season. With a fully healed body, there’s hope for improvement, though a sustained surge throughout the entire season may still be an uphill battle.
Bummer’s Return Remains Uncertain
In a related update, Snitker also addressed the status of relief pitcher Aaron Bummer, who has been sidelined since August 24 due to shoulder inflammation. While Bummer has resumed throwing, he hasn’t yet returned to the mound. Snitker expressed cautious optimism regarding his recovery, stating that the current throwing program looks promising.
The clock is ticking, as the Triple-A season approaches its conclusion. Snitker indicated that there may still be time for Bummer to pitch either with Triple-A Gwinnett or to simulate an outing if necessary.
This season, Bummer has appeared in 42 games, posting a 3.81 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. Prior to his injury, he had been in good form, recording a 2.25 ERA over his last seven outings spanning 12 innings. As the Braves look ahead, they will need to navigate the challenges posed by Bummer’s uncertain return while keeping their hopes alive for Murphy’s full recovery.
