Sean Murphy hasn't had the easiest go of things since his 2024 season with the Atlanta Braves began. The veteran catcher was placed on the injured list with an oblique injury just two days after the campaign started, and he may be headed for another stint.
Murphy stood in the batter's box in the top of the ninth inning across from Boston Red Sox pitcher Chase Anderson. Anderson fired to Murphy, but his pitch veered right and drilled the catcher on the inside of his elbow.
Murphy recoiled immediately and jogged out of the batter's box. By the time trainers reached the catcher to examine his arm, Murphy was already sporting severe swelling on his throwing elbow.
The veteran was pulled from the game and Zack Short, a familiar face, ran on his behalf. The hit batsman extended what could've been a quick inning for Anderson — he collected two early outs on the first batters of the inning, and two consecutive singles scored Short from first to increase the Braves' already substantial lead.
Sean Murphy exited Braves game against Red Sox after being hit by pitch in the ninth inning
Sean Murphy left tonight’s game after getting hit by this pitch. pic.twitter.com/gETL6yKBYT
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) June 5, 2024
Murphy has played just seven games for Atlanta this season and he can't seem to catch a break. The 29-year-old has logged a .182/.280/.227 slash line in his short time with the big league club.
There's no telling if Murphy will need another stint on the IL or not, but the speed of the swelling on his arm may not bode well for him. Atlanta manager Brian Snitker had no update on Murphy during the postgame presser, so Braves fans will need to wait for news on their catcher.