Jonah Heim Designated For Assignment As Braves Activate Sean Murphy
jonah heim was designated for assignment after the Braves reinstated Sean Murphy from the season-opening injured list and opened a roster spot on the active team. Atlanta’s move trimmed the 40-man count to 39, and it put Heim on a five-day clock to find a trade partner or move to waivers.
Heim’s stint in Atlanta lasted 12 games. He signed a $1.5 million free agent deal early in Spring Training, then spent most of his time as a fill-in behind Drake Baldwin until Murphy was ready to return.
Sean Murphy Takes Back Catching Duties
Murphy was behind the plate for his season debut at T-Mobile Park, with Baldwin getting a second straight start at designated hitter. That left the Braves with their preferred catching hierarchy back in place, and it pushed Heim out of the picture almost as soon as the club had room to make the switch.
The timing also fits the way Atlanta handled the position through Murphy’s recovery from hip labrum surgery. While he worked back, the Braves used Heim as insurance behind Baldwin, but the roster no longer had room for three catchers once Murphy was active again.
Heim’s Short Atlanta Run
Heim’s numbers offered a brief reminder of the bat he brought with him. He hit.231/.311/.410 with one home run in 45 plate appearances, and he went 2-for-4 with a home run, a double and five RBIs yesterday.
His defensive line was quieter, and that mattered once the Braves had to choose. Heim did not catch any of the 13 runners who attempted to steal against him, did not commit a passed ball, and was behind the plate for six wild pitches in 103 innings.
Braves Roster Math
The Braves were carrying multiple catchers while waiting for Murphy to recover, and they were also working around outfield injuries that limited bench flexibility. Ronald Acuña Jr. was on the injured list, Michael Harris II had left quad discomfort, Mauricio Dubón moved from shortstop to center field, Jorge Mateo entered the lineup and Kyle Farmer served as a backup infielder.
Atlanta now has five days to line up a trade or place Heim on waivers. If the Braves cannot find a trade partner, he will probably be released, though his five years of service time would let him keep his salary if he refuses a minor league assignment.
