Atlanta Braves

Sean Murphy

C

Murphy has been on the shelf since the beginning of spring training while recovering from right hip surgery, but Wednesday's sim game was a step in the right direction. The catcher will have to work up to nine innings behind the plate and then do so on consecutive days before he'll be considered to be ready to be activated from the 10-day injured list. The plans for Murphy's upcoming rehab assignment are expected to be announced soon, but he appears to be on track to return at some point in late April or early May.

Chris Sale

SP

Sale was able to battle through the illness on his way to a victory Wednesday against the A's, but manager Walt Weiss stated Thursday that the south paw is still pretty sick and may have to watch the team's series opener in Arizona from his hotel room. It's unclear if Sale is in any danger of missing his next expected turn in the rotation Monday on the road against the Angels, but it's definitely something to keep an eye on in the coming days.

Spencer Strider

SP

Strider has been sidelined with an oblique for a couple weeks, but Friday's session will be a significant test for where he's at in his recovery. The right-hander is eligible to be activated from the 15-day injured list Monday, but he will likely require at least one minor-league rehab start, making his return on that date unattainable. More information on his path ahead will be provided following the bullpen session.

Ha-Seong Kim

SS

Kim isn't expected to be ready to make his season debut until at least some point in the first half of May after he required surgery in January to address a torn tendon in his right middle finger. The 30-year-old reported to spring training March 16 to resume taking part in baseball activities, though he has yet to be cleared to resume swinging a bat. Mauricio Dubon is expected to serve as Atlanta's everyday shortstop while Kim is on the shelf.

AJ Smith-Shawver

SP

The right-hander is working through his rehab program after undergoing Tommy John surgery in June of last year, so his move to the 60-day IL early this season was an eventuality. Smith-Shawver could rejoin Atlanta during the second half of 2026 if he can avoid any setbacks.