Braves predicted to part ways with $1.25M Gold Glove winner after Sean Murphy, Ha-Seong Kim return originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Atlanta Braves entered the regular season with much of their starting pitching staff dealing with injuries. However, there were also key position players who began the year hurt—most notably catcher Sean Murphy and shortstop Ha-Seong Kim.

Murphy is expected to be the first of the two to return.“In theory, Murphy could be back towards the back end of that stretch, although Strider will be a bit after that, if for no other reason, being that his current game cadence doesn't really allow for anything earlier than return at the end of April,” HTHB’s Eric Cole wrote.Kim is also ramping up his recovery, taking at-bats and nearing a simulated game.“Prior to tonight’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss told reporters that injured shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is likely to participate in a simulated game on Thursday and has been taking batting practice. He is recovering from a broken wrist suffered after falling on ice prior to Spring Training,” Battery Power’s DJourn wrote.With both players nearing a return, roster decisions are looming for Atlanta.

One name that could be on the way out is catcher Jonah Heim.“Once Murphy is activated, shortstop Ha-Seong Kim won't be far behind. When Kim's back, the starting lineup will once again be shuffled, which could unfortunately lead to less playing time for Dominic Smith, who has been red hot to start the season. With Kim at shortstop, and Dubón moving around the diamond, there will likely be less room for Drake Baldwin to DH as regularly as he has, meaning if Heim survives the first cut, he likely wouldn't survive the second,” HTHB’s Mitchell Barbee wrote.Getting Murphy and Kim back will be a major boost for the Braves, but it also brings difficult decisions.

It is never easy to part ways with players, especially a World Series champion and Gold Glove winner.Atlanta has been red hot to start the season, and with two key contributors on the verge of returning, they show no signs of slowing down. Reinforcements are on the way, but a goodbye could also be on the horizon for Heim.More MLB news:Braves' Austin Riley sends clear message to Chris Sale, Robert Suarez after win over PhilliesBraves writer reveals Raisel Iglesias' bizarre injury behind unexpected absence vs. PhilliesRangers predicted to make blockbuster trade for $18M All-Star, reunite with MacKenzie GorePadres predicted to sign $38.5M Cy Young-caliber All-Star to replace injured Nick Pivetta