Owen Murphy Allows 3 Runs in 2.2 Innings in First MLB Start for Braves

Q: Was rushing top prospect Owen Murphy to the majors a desperate mistake by the injury-plagued Atlanta Braves?

Probably not a mistake, but it was clearly a desperation move. Atlanta’s decision to start Owen Murphy was driven by a battered rotation, not by a belief that he was fully polished for the majors. The Braves had multiple pitching injuries, Martin Perez was sidelined, and the club’s recent rotation performance had been among the worst in the league. By the team’s own admission, internal options were running thin. The evidence suggests Murphy was promoted earlier than ideal. He is a top prospect, but he had not pitched above High-A before this season, had only recently returned from Tommy John surgery, and entered the call-up with uneven upper-minors results. Reports indicate he had shown promise in Triple-A, but he was still in a developmental phase and had been projected by some evaluators for a later debut. His first big-league start against Texas did little to argue he was fully ready. He lasted only 2.2 innings, allowed three runs, five hits and two walks, and did not throw a clean frame. The Rangers also made hard contact and rarely missed his fastball or changeup. That said, one rough start is not enough to label the promotion a failure, especially since he had also shown some effectiveness in relief before this outing. So the move looks more forced than foolish: Atlanta accelerated Murphy because of injuries and lack of alternatives. Whether it becomes a mistake depends less on this start than on whether the Braves keep him in a role that matches his readiness.

3 articles · Updated · CBS Sports · Jul 19

Murphy lasted just 2.2 innings Saturday against Texas, giving up three runs — two earned — on five hits and two walks in his first major-league start.
The rookie right-hander struck out two but failed to post a clean inning, setting season worsts in hits, runs and walks allowed after previously making only two relief appearances.
A Mauricio Dubon fielding error in the third kept one run off Murphy's earned-run total, though it did not prevent his early exit or a no-decision.
Atlanta could still turn back to Murphy next week against San Diego if Martin Perez remains out with a forearm issue.