Injuries & Moves: Riley still sidelined; Johnson set to return
LATEST NEWS
May 17: 3B Austin Riley (left side tightness) still sidelined
Riley was out of the starting lineup again for Friday's series opener against the Padres, but he felt much better when he arrived at the ballpark on Tuesday. Riley told Braves manager Brian Snitker he was having trouble pinpointing the area of his left side that bothered him. This provides further reason to believe he could avoid a stint on the injured list. Riley exited Sunday night's game against the Mets with what was described as left side tightness.
10-day/15-day IL
RHP Pierce Johnson (right elbow inflammation)
Expected return: Saturday
The Braves planned to activate Johnson on Friday but opted to wait one more day. An extra day of rest following a live batting practice session on Wednesday creates the chance for Johnson to make back-to-back appearances during this weekend's four-game series against the Padres. Friday began a stretch of 17 straight days with games for the Braves. Johnson needed a little more than a week to rest his elbow, which began bothering him near the end of April. He should immediately resume his role as one of the Braves' high-leverage options. (Last updated: May 17)
C Sean Murphy (left oblique strain)
Expected return: Late May
Murphy is scheduled to begin a Minor League rehab assignment the week of May 20. This was an encouraging development for the Braves, who have been without their 2023 All-Star catcher since Opening Day. He has passed all of the tests the club has set for him, while completing both offensive and defensive drills. (Last updated: May 15)
LHP Tyler Matzek (left elbow soreness)
Expected return: TBD
Matzek posted a 9.90 ERA and produced some concerning hard-hit metrics over 11 appearances. The Braves are hoping he is just going through one of the phases that often follows Tommy John surgery. He'll be given at least a couple weeks to rest his arm. (Last updated: May 7)
RHP Spencer Strider (right ulnar collateral ligament)
Expected return: 2025
After visiting Dr. Keith Meister on April 8, Strider underwent internal brace surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow on April 12 and will miss the rest of the 2024 season. (Last updated: April 13)
60-day IL
LHP Angel Perdomo (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: 2025
Perdomo was transferred to the 60-day injured list on May 4. He is recovering from the Tommy John surgery he underwent last fall and will miss the entire 2024 season. (Last updated: May 4)