The Braves’ catching situation has taken another hit.
On Tuesday, Atlanta placed second-year catcher Drake Baldwin on injured reserve due to a strained right oblique muscle, which is a significant loss given that he was one of the bright spots on the team.
This news follows closely after the Braves’ other catcher, Sean Murphy, was put on the injured list with a fractured middle finger on his left hand, just after returning from hip surgery. He’s expected to be out for nearly two months.
With Baldwin sidelined, this is quite the setback for Atlanta, especially since they’re enjoying one of the best starts in the National League.
Baldwin, known as the current National League Rookie of the Year, was among the top-hitting catchers, boasting a .303/.389/.543 batting line along with 13 home runs and 38 RBIs in the season’s early weeks.
He exited Monday’s game against the Marlins after striking out in the sixth inning and is heading back to Atlanta for an MRI to assess the injury’s severity and potential recovery timeline.
In Baldwin’s absence, the Braves will depend on veteran catcher Sandy Leon along with Chadwick Tromp, who was called up to take his place, until their catching roster is back to full strength.
On a more positive note, there’s some hope on the horizon. Star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., who has been on the sidelines since May 2 due to a left hamstring strain, is anticipated to return for Tuesday’s game.
However, the Braves’ starting rotation hasn’t been spared from injuries either. Spencer Strider is just coming back from a right oblique strain, while Spencer Schwellenbach is still waiting for his season debut as he recovers from a fractured elbow.
Still, Atlanta is pushing forward this season.
As they enter Tuesday’s match with a solid 32-16 record, they hold the best record in the senior circuit, trailing the Phillies by seven games for second place in the National League East.
