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0 Following the Braves sweep of the Rockies on Sunday, manager Walt Weiss had some more good news to deliver, as Raisel Iglesias will rejoin the club on Tuesday in Seattle. Sean Murphy will also return and could be activated as soon as tomorrow.
Braves manager Walt Weiss says that closer Raisel Iglesias will be activated Tuesday in Seattle. Catcher Sean Murphy will likely join the team in the series vs. the Mariners as well.
— Barrett Sallee 🇺🇸 (@BarrettSallee) May 3, 2026
Iglesias was placed on the 15-day IL with shoulder inflammation — never a good sign for a pitcher. However, it appears the decision was strictly precautionary. Had this been September with the season on the line, Iglesias likely would have continued pitching.
The #Braves today returned RHP Spencer Strider from his rehabilitation assignment and reinstated him from the injured list after optioning RHP Hunter Stratton to Triple-A Gwinnett following last night’s game. Additionally, the club selected OF José Azócar to the major league…
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 3, 2026
For Murphy, this week will be his first taste of major-league action since September of last year when it was determined he needed hip surgery. The past few years have been a struggle for the former All-Star, as he’s only appeared in 166 games since the start of the 2024 season and is hitting under the Mendoza Line over that stretch.
Best start to a season for the @Braves since 1892 🤯 pic.twitter.com/aYtIZFHKYc
— BravesVision (@BravesVisionTV) May 3, 2026
Murphy still offers a ton behind the plate as an elite defensive catcher, and pitchers absolutely love throwing to him. There’s a lot of value in that, but the Braves didn’t hand him a six-year, $73 million contact extension for him to be a defense only catcher. The hope following this surgery is that he can regain his form with the stick and become the .800 OPS guy he was over the first five years of his career.
Had a pretty sweep weekend 😎 pic.twitter.com/Bzofnthfww
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 4, 2026
Key takeaways
Raisel Iglesias: Set to rejoin the Braves in Seattle on Tuesday after a 15-day IL stint due to shoulder inflammation; his absence was precautionary.
Sean Murphy: Returning after hip surgery, first MLB action since last September; elite defensive catcher with hopes to regain his offensive form.
Team Impact: Both returns provide a boost for the Braves, enhancing pitching support and catching strength as they continue their season.
Credit: Chase Irle, SportsTalkATL
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