<img alt="MLB: APR 05 Marlins at Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sKzJfhJc2OdtSvfodUTThTEkFqo=/0x0:3600x2400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74020947/2208405787.0.jpg">
Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Sean Murphy’s back and Drake’s gonna have trouble Drake Baldwin made the Opening Day roster this year, largely because of the absence of the Braves’ regular catcher Sean Murphy. Murphy made a great recovery from a Spring Training hit-by-pitch and joined the Braves last Tuesday. It’s a problem for Drake Baldwin’s development, but a good problem for the Braves. Sean Murphy has cooked this week to the tune of a .333/.444/.933 with 3 HR and a 269 wRC+.
Murphy has played 4 of the 5 games since his return. We may see Drake Baldwin today however, because of the getaway day game today. I think the Braves are ok with him in the Show rather than AAA. He had a 135 wRC+ in 334 PAs in Gwinnett and lit up the Arizona Fall League as well. So he really has nothing to prove in AAA. The only pitchers in AAA are AAAA-flex types, pretty poor relievers, prospects trying to put on the finishing touches, and Spencer Strider for some reason.
With Sean Murphy ensconced at catcher, chances for Baldwin might be slim outside of the once or twice a week start. One idea is to place Murphy fifth or higher and have Baldwin make a pitch-hit appearance late around 7-8-9 in the order and stay in to catch. You may want Murphy available later if the Braves are down. He could come in while the Braves are up, but how often has that been lately? He’s never played anything but catcher and DH in professional baseball, so left field may not be an option. But hey, the Braves have fielded Jurickson Profar and Marcell Ozuna in left before so the bar to entry is pretty low.
So how would you get Drake Baldwin more playing time? This is the daily Braves question. How it works is we ask a question and solicit your opinion. If I wanted to answer it in a comprehensive way, I would do it. But it’s not about me, you all tell us. You don't really need a 300-word precursor. But it’s here anyway, so enjoy.
<img alt="MLB: APR 05 Marlins at Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sKzJfhJc2OdtSvfodUTThTEkFqo=/0x0:3600x2400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74020947/2208405787.0.jpg">
Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Sean Murphy’s back and Drake’s gonna have trouble Drake Baldwin made the Opening Day roster this year, largely because of the absence of the Braves’ regular catcher Sean Murphy. Murphy made a great recovery from a Spring Training hit-by-pitch and joined the Braves last Tuesday. It’s a problem for Drake Baldwin’s development, but a good problem for the Braves. Sean Murphy has cooked this week to the tune of a .333/.444/.933 with 3 HR and a 269 wRC+.
Murphy has played 4 of the 5 games since his return. We may see Drake Baldwin today however, because of the getaway day game today. I think the Braves are ok with him in the Show rather than AAA. He had a 135 wRC+ in 334 PAs in Gwinnett and lit up the Arizona Fall League as well. So he really has nothing to prove in AAA. The only pitchers in AAA are AAAA-flex types, pretty poor relievers, prospects trying to put on the finishing touches, and Spencer Strider for some reason.
With Sean Murphy ensconced at catcher, chances for Baldwin might be slim outside of the once or twice a week start. One idea is to place Murphy fifth or higher and have Baldwin make a pitch-hit appearance late around 7-8-9 in the order and stay in to catch. You may want Murphy available later if the Braves are down. He could come in while the Braves are up, but how often has that been lately? He’s never played anything but catcher and DH in professional baseball, so left field may not be an option. But hey, the Braves have fielded Jurickson Profar and Marcell Ozuna in left before so the bar to entry is pretty low.
So how would you get Drake Baldwin more playing time? This is the daily Braves question. How it works is we ask a question and solicit your opinion. If I wanted to answer it in a comprehensive way, I would do it. But it’s not about me, you all tell us. You don't really need a 300-word precursor. But it’s here anyway, so enjoy.
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