Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy has suffered a fractured left rib that will sideline him for at least the next month, according to MLB.com. Murphy, in turn, will be unavailable when the Braves open their schedule on March 27 against the San Diego Padres.

The Braves said the timetable is four to six weeks for Murphy’s return. A year ago, Murphy strained his oblique on Opening Day and missed two months. D’Arnaud stepped back into the primary role with Tromp as his backup while Murphy was out. Baldwin was in Double A at the time.

Braves catcher Sean Murphy is sidelined for 4-6 weeks with a cracked rib after taking a pitch to the chest on Friday. His absence opens the door to top prospect Drake Baldwin. Murphy's struggles this season contribute to the uncertainty.