The Atlanta Braves welcomed back two key players on Tuesday, activating catcher Sean Murphy from the 60-day injured list and infielder Ha-Seong Kim from the 10-day IL ahead of their game against the Miami Marlins.
Although both were available, neither was included in the starting lineup.
Murphy had been sidelined since breaking a finger on May 10, just four games into his season after already missing the opening month while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.
During a 15-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett, he hit .291, and manager Walt Weiss said Murphy is expected to handle catching duties primarily against left-handed pitchers, allowing rookie Drake Baldwin to serve as the designated hitter in those matchups.
Kim, who signed a one-year, $20 million contract with Atlanta before the season, also battled finger issues throughout the year.
After beginning the season on the injured list following surgery, he returned in May but struggled offensively before landing back on the IL.
He recently completed a rehab assignment at Gwinnett, batting .216 over 16 games before rejoining the major league roster.
To make room for the returning veterans, the Braves had already traded backup catcher Joey Bart to the Chicago White Sox before Monday’s trade deadline, while infielder Jorge Mateo was designated for assignment.
Despite Kim’s return, rookie Jim Jarvis is expected to remain Atlanta’s primary shortstop, with Mauricio Dubón continuing in a utility role.
