The Atlanta Braves will have a few tough decisions to make in the next few weeks, as a few core players will return from injury. Two of the Braves’ regulars, right-hander Spencer Strider (oblique) and catcher Sean Murphy (right hip labral tear), are on rehab starts, while shortstop Ha-Seong Kim (torn tendon in right middle finger) will be sent out soon. With Murphy and Strider close to returning, the Braves will face tough roster choices.
These Braves May Force Alex Anthopoulos to Make Tough Choices
Catcher Sean Murphy
The Braves have two quality catchers on the roster in Drake Baldwin and Jonah Heim. Baldwin has been outstanding this season, hitting .304 with an OPS of .866 and five home runs, while Heim (.217/.612) has been a suitable backup.
Having three catchers would not be ideal, but it would allow manager Walt Weiss to use Baldwin freely. Since Baldwin has swung a hot bat, utilizing him in the designated hitter role, while Murphy and Heim catch, could work for the Braves.
Murphy’s return would force the Braves to choose between Heim and infielder Kyle Farmer. Farmer is considered the Braves’ “emergency catcher” and has not seen a ton of playing time (five games).
Despite his limited action, Farmer has done well (.333/.786) and offers versatility in the infield. However, with Kim coming back as well, Farmer may be the odd man out.
Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim
Kim’s return will add valuable defensive depth to the Braves’ infield, winning a Gold Glove in 2023. Kim, being Weiss’s everyday shortstop, would give Mauricio Dubón the freedom to be the super utility player he’s been. The odd man out may be infielder Jorge Mateo, but he’s been productive when in the lineup, hitting .368/.979 in 10 games.
With Mateo’s production at the plate and quality defense (zero defensive runs saved), the Braves may opt to designate outfielder Eli White for assignment. Since Dubon can play everywhere and platoon with Mike Yastrzemski, White may be the odd man out.
White hasn’t done well at the plate this season, batting .150 with a 382 OPS in 10 games. Yastrzemski has been slightly better, with a .215 average and a .603 OPS in 20 games.
White is out of minor league options, and with Mateo producing, he could wind up being the one who leaves.
Right-hander Spencer Strider
Strider’s return will give a boost to the starting rotation, which is the best in Major League Baseball (2.65 ERA). Three of the Braves’ starters have ERA’s below 3.50, with right-hander Bryce Elder having the best ERA (0.77) on the staff.
The odd man out in the starting rotation might be left-hander Martin Perez. However, Perez has pitched well, in four games (three starts), Perez is 1-1 with a 2.21 ERA. Designated for assignment once by the Braves, Perez may elect free agency again.
Main Photo Credits: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
