Tuesday was a hectic day for the Atlanta Braves, not only due to their ongoing struggles on the field but also because of significant injury updates and a roster move. The team suffered its sixth consecutive loss to start the season, falling 3-1, a disappointing result that overshadowed the other developments. However, the bigger news came off the field, as the Braves provided updates on key players and made another trade in an effort to bolster their depth.
Sean Murphy went 1-for-4 with a homer for Gwinnett today. Once he plays back-to-back days, he’ll likely be activated. Could be this weekend. Baldwin would likely stay up to share the catching duties. But that’s not official yet.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) April 2, 2025
The most concerning update involved pitcher Reynaldo López, whose shoulder injury is proving to be more serious than initially hoped. López is set to undergo an arthroscopic procedure to determine the extent of the damage, and while the Braves are optimistic that he could return this season, his recovery timeline remains uncertain. Even in a best-case scenario, López is expected to miss several months, and if the procedure reveals more severe issues, his season could be over entirely. This is particularly troubling given that López recently signed a three-year, $30 million contract with Atlanta, making his potential long-term absence a significant blow to the team’s pitching staff.
On a more positive note, the Braves received encouraging news regarding catcher Sean Murphy. Murphy, who has been sidelined with an injury, has started his rehab assignment and even hit a home run. According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, once Murphy successfully catches back-to-back games, he will be cleared to return to Atlanta, possibly as soon as this weekend. His return would be a huge boost to the lineup and provide much-needed stability behind the plate.
In addition to the injury updates, the Braves also made a move to address their lack of pitching depth, acquiring pitcher Michael Petersen from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for cash considerations. While Petersen is not a high-profile addition, he brings some experience to the organization, having made his MLB debut last season. Across 19.2 innings with the Miami Marlins and Los Angeles Dodgers, he posted a 5.95 ERA, which suggests he may not be an immediate solution but could provide depth in case of further injuries or struggles within the bullpen.
The Braves have been dealing with major roster challenges since the start of the season, particularly in their pitching rotation. With López’s injury further straining their staff, it is likely that Atlanta will continue to make small moves throughout the year in search of reliable arms. While Petersen’s acquisition may not be a game-changer, it is part of a larger effort by the team to reinforce its roster in the wake of multiple setbacks.
Overall, Tuesday’s developments highlighted both the Braves’ ongoing struggles and their attempts to adjust. While Murphy’s nearing return is a bright spot, the uncertainty surrounding López and the team’s 0-6 record add to the mounting concerns. As the season progresses, the Braves will need to find ways to overcome these early obstacles and regain momentum before falling too far behind in the standings.
