With Sean Murphy's return from injury being very short-lived before the catcher was back on the shelf, the Atlanta Braves were forced to turn to a familiar face. Veteran Sandy Leon was promptly added to the big league roster and garnered his first start of the season on Wednesday night, getting two at-bats before being pulled for a late pinch-hitting opportunity for Dominic Smith.
Leon wasted no time establishing himself at the plate, going 1/2 and offering the Braves more production from a lineup that has consistently seen the final spots offer a spark. A larger piece of this is the reminder that questions around Murphy continue to be raised. It took Leon only two at-bats this season to match the hit total from Murphy, who offered a lone hit in 14 at-bats before going right back on the shelf.
This is after two seasons of watching the backstop hit below the Mendoza line while being paid a top-dollar contract. Murphy currently is making $15 million and has been an undeniable liability at the plate on the rare occasions the catcher manages to stay in the lineup. Leon's hit simply served as a reminder and should push the Braves into considering whether or not it is time for a divorce.
Sandy Leon's Game One Production Reminds Braves of Sean Murphy's Faiures
Atlanta shouldn't be paying such a high-dollar contract for a player unable to stay healthy and offering ugly offensive production when he is in the lineup. The only concern is whether the Braves have waited too long to attempt to move on from the deal, with potential suitors having every reason to second-guess trading for a contract that isn't aging in Atlanta's favor.
Leon might not offer much offensive upside, but the backstop playing only one game this season and matching the offensive contributions of Murphy should've served as a lightbulb moment. The Braves are simply far too talented and have legitimate World Series expectations; the frustration with Murphy doesn't fit the direction of the franchise.
It makes a great deal of sense to turn the page on the backstop if given the opportunity and lean on veterans like Leon to give Drake Baldwin the needed rest. The offensive contributions are likely going to be superior, and the Braves will have a chance to escape a contract that has proven to be a frustration and liability. Leon's solid start might not continue, but it is hard to believe the aging catcher can't match or exceed the offensive contributions of Murphy.
Add us as a preferred source on Google