Atlanta placed Sean Murphy (ribs) on the 10-day IL Tuesday, per team updates, due to a fractured rib from early March.

Fantasy Impact

Murphy’s 4-to-6 week absence from a March rib fracture puts him on the IL Tuesday, with prospect Drake Baldwin stepping up as Atlanta’s main catcher to start the season. Fantasy managers in all leagues should stash him, banking on his bat for strong value in Atlanta’s 2025 lineup once he returns midseason.

Sean Murphy was cleared to do some baseball activities this week.

Fantasy Impact

Murphy was diagnosed with a cracked left rib earlier in March. Drake Baldwin will start at catcher for the Braves to open the season until Murphy is cleared to return.

Sean Murphy is expected to miss the next 4-to-6 weeks with a cracked left rib.

Fantasy Impact

It is a tough break for the Braves and Murphy, who battled injury issues all season. The catcher will likely open the year on the injured list. Drake Baldwin will have a chance to begin the season as Atlanta’s starting catcher.

Sean Murphy will start behind the plate in Saturday's spring training opener against the Twins.

Fantasy Impact

Murphy will catch Chris Sale who is slated to throw two innings. He will likely get one or two at-bats in his first game.

Sean Murphy said he believes the oblique injury he suffered Opening Day last season prevented him from ever getting comfortable with his swing.

Fantasy Impact

"It was a combination of a bunch of things," Murphy said. "Missing that much time at the beginning, that's not how I wanted to begin the season. I'm not sure my swing ever felt correct coming off the oblique, not that I was in any pain or hurt. Some things just fell off, and I never caught up and found a way to adjust." After a career season in 2023, Murphy was limited to 72 games last year where he hit .193 at the plate. With the departure of Travis d'Arnaud, Murphy enters this season as the clear starting catcher for Atlanta.