Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy has landed on the 10-day injured list after fracturing his left middle finger in a game against the LA Dodgers. The team confirmed the injury required surgery, with an expected recovery timeline of eight weeks. To fill the gap, Atlanta re-signed free-agent catcher Sandy Leon.
Injury Details from Dodgers Clash
The incident unfolded during the Braves’ 4-0 loss at Dodger Stadium on May 11. In the bottom of the seventh inning, with two outs and a runner on first, Dodgers batter Kim Hye-seong battled Braves reliever Robert Suarez. After a full count, Kim fouled off a slider before facing an eighth-pitch 99 mph fastball.
Kim swung, grazing the ball for a foul tip that strongly clipped Murphy’s mitt. Umpires ruled catcher’s interference, awarding Kim first base. Despite the contact, Murphy showed no immediate distress and stayed in the game.
Post-Injury Developments
Murphy exited in the top of the ninth, replaced by pinch-hitter Dominic Smith. Prospect Drake Baldwin donned the catcher’s mask for the bottom half. Persistent pain and swelling prompted X-rays, revealing the fracture.
The Braves placed Murphy on the IL on May 10 and announced the move publicly the next day, Korean time.
Replacements Step Up
Atlanta’s primary catcher, 2025 National League Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin, started behind the plate that day against the Chicago Cubs. Baldwin has appeared in 26 games as catcher and 16 as designated hitter this season, and he now figures to handle most duties.
Newly signed Sandy Leon brings major-league experience. The veteran debuted in 2012 with the Washington Nationals, later playing for the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Guardians, and Texas Rangers. After five games with Atlanta last year, he spent time in the minors before returning on May 5—only to see Murphy sidelined after his fourth outing back.
