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The expectation is that Major League Baseball will investigate Atlanta Braves infielder David Fletcher's reported involvement in the gambling situation with Mathew Bowyer, the Southern California bookmaker who also took wagers from Shohei Ohtani's long-time interpreter. Per ESPN, Fletcher placed bets on multiple sports but did not bet on baseball. MLB players are allowed to bet on other sports, but doing so through illegal bookmakers such as Bowyer is prohibited and could bring a suspension from the commissioner. The 29-year-old currently is playing in the minors at Triple-A Gwinnett. He was brought up briefly when Ozzie Albies was on the injured list and went 2-for-8 with two RBI in five games played. Once the league's investigation is complete, which could take some time, Fletcher could be facing a suspension.
Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy (oblique) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment on Tuesday, according to manager Brian Snitker. Murphy has been on the injured list since Opening Day when he suffered an oblique injury. The 29-year-old may require a little extra time to get back into game shape, but the Braves should have their primary backstop with the big-league club within the next couple weeks. Murphy was coming off an All-Star campaign in 2023, and with Travis d'Arnaud suffering a head contusion Friday night, the Braves may need him back sooner rather than later, depending on the results of some additional evaluation of d'Arnaud on Saturday. In the meantime, Chadwick Tromp may have to serve as Atlanta's primary backstop.
Atlanta Braves catcher Travis d'Arnaud (head) took a foul ball off his face mask in the sixth inning of Friday's 3-1 loss to the Padres and reported feeling dizzy afterward. The 35-year-old was checked for a concussion and passed the initial tests, so for now, it is being labeled as a head contusion. He'll be reevaluated Saturday and then they'll determine next steps, but it sounds like he'll avoid a stint on the IL. The veteran was replaced in the game by backup catcher Chadwick Tromp who could see additional action if d'Arnaud were to miss any time. The starting catcher to open the regular season, Sean Murphy, is on the verge of beginning a rehab assignment as well, so the Braves should be getting him back in the next couple weeks.
Atlanta Braves starting pitching prospect Ian Mejia tossed a seven-inning no-hitter on Friday with just two free passes. He struck out a season-high of 11 batters. This outstanding performance brings him to a clean 4-0 record with a 1.69 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and a 54:17 K:BB through 42 2/3 innings. After allowing four earned runs in his first start of the season, Mejia has only allowed four total runs in his past 41 innings pitched. The former 11th-round selection has logged 121 innings at High-A to the tune of a 4.68 ERA and 1.36 WHIP, which has halted his progression through the Atlanta pipeline, but he is now showing strong development and looks to be back on track. Dynasty managers should expect the Braves to remain cautious with Mejia, but he is worth monitoring, as he could debut in Triple-A later this summer.
Atlanta Braves catcher Travis d'Arnaud was removed from Friday night's 3-1 loss to the visiting San Diego Padres early due to dizziness. The 35-year-old veteran took a foul ball off his facemask in the fifth inning and was removed before the sixth frame. It's worth noting that d'Arnaud has already had several documented concussions in his career, so this matter will not be taken lightly. The Braves will assuredly put him through the league's concussion protocols, which could result in a trip to the seven-day concussion list. At the very least, d'Arnaud is unlikely to play in the second game of the series on Saturday. Sean Murphy (oblique) has been out since straining his oblique on Opening Day. He's getting closer to a return, but if d'Arnaud is forced to miss time, third-string catcher Chadwick Tromp could be forced into starting duties behind the dish until Murphy is reinstated from the injured list.