It has been rumored for several days, but Atlanta Braves pitching prospect Owen Murphy is headed for Tommy John surgery according to a report by MLB Pipeline’s Jonathan Mayo. Murphy last pitched on May 14 for Rome.
There’s been some buzz about this out there, but I can confirm that #Braves No. 5 prospect Owen Murphy is indeed having Tommy John surgery.
— Jonathan Mayo (@JonathanMayo) May 29, 2024
Murphy was the Braves’ first round pick in the 2022 draft. The news is disappointing in that Murphy had taken a significant step forward and was dominating at High A at the time of the injury. Through seven starts, Murphy had a 1.54 ERA and a 2.20 FIP to go along with a sizzling 38.7% strikeout rate in 41 innings. He was primed for a promotion but concerns were raised after he missed his last start.
JR Ritchie, who was the 35th pick in the 2022 draft by the Braves is currently working his way back from Tommy John surgery as well.
Murphy ranked fourth on Battery Power’s preseason top 30 prospects list behind only AJ Smith-Shawver, Hurston Waldrep and Spencer Schwellenbach.
