Owen Murphy
The Atlanta Braves Next Big Call-Up
LAB REPORTS
Everyone loves a prospect call-up. And if you love them as much as I do, you'll love the Atlanta Braves calling up RHP Owen Murphy. The 22-year-old was a 2022 1st round pick by Atlanta. He came out strong in Single-A with Rome, but struggled in Double-A to begin this season after coming off Tommy John Surgery causing an abbreviated 2024 and 2025 season. In his starts with Gwinnett in Triple-A recently, Murphy has faired much better, sporting a 3.88 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP, and 65 Ks in 60.1 IP.
Murphy is one of my favorite Atlanta prospects. He has made his way through the farm system after his Tommy John surgery, and has consistently been in the top 10 for the organization's overall prospects. His arsenal includes a well-controlled 3-pitch-mix, which includes a fastball, curve, and slider. He's not your prototypical flamethrower, only averaging around 92 mph on the pitch. However, multiple scouting reports suggest the fastball has great shape and rise to it. It has a borderline elite vertical break of 18.9 inches. MLB.com notes his repeatable delivery and solid control with a strike-throwing percentage of 66% in his Triple-A stint. He is currently developing a changeup, which will only add to the nasty slider (34% whiff) and decent curveball (.240 xwOBACON) he also throws.
It's hard to tell what role Murphy will immediately slot into for the Braves. LHP Martin Perez was just placed on IL. However, according to Braves beat-writer Mark Bowman, Murphy is expected to operate out of the bullpen prior to the All-Star break. I would recommend picking up Murphy in deeper leagues if you are in need of a back end RP to help with your ratios. Depending on who the Braves make a move for at the deadline, we could even see Murphy make a few starts in the second half. Regardless, in dynasty leagues he should not be on waivers due to the mid-rotation potential Murphy brings with his recent promotion to a winning ball club in the ATL.
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