The Atlanta Braves' catching situation is about to get a major shakeup with the impending return of star Sean Murphy. After playing through a painful hip injury last season—an ailment he reportedly hid from the team—Murphy is set to begin a rehab assignment, signaling his comeback is near.

This creates a tough roster decision for the Braves, and all signs point to veteran backup Jonah Heim being the likely casualty. Despite being a World Series champion and Gold Glove winner on a modest $1.25 million deal, Heim has struggled mightily at the plate this season, posting a 46 wRC+ and negative WAR. His defensive inconsistencies have only compounded the issue.

Meanwhile, the emergence of Dominic Smith as a legitimate everyday bat has solidified his spot, leaving Heim as the odd man out. With Murphy reclaiming the primary catching role, the Braves appear ready to move on from the struggling veteran, prioritizing performance and roster flexibility as they gear up for the second half.