Braves Add Experienced Catcher Amid Murphy's Hot Streak
The Atlanta Braves have signed veteran catcher Eric Haase to a minor league contract after Sean Murphy's recent surge in performance. This move is particularly interesting given that the team has already experienced the risks of operating without enough established catching options, having cycled through five catchers earlier this season when Murphy and young star Drake Baldwin were sidelined.
Murphy's return from injury and subsequent offensive surge have made him a key player for the Braves, with an OPS of 1.850 since late August, including three home runs in his last 20 at-bats. Haase brings nine years of major league experience to the team, primarily as a catcher but also having played designated hitter and first base.
The 33-year-old catcher had been released from the Chicago White Sox organization after a short stint with their Triple-A affiliate, where he hit two doubles and a home run in seven games. This performance likely contributed to his release and subsequent signing by the Braves, who can develop Haase at Triple-A if either Murphy or Baldwin experience another injury setback.