Murphy (knee) drew walks in each of his two plate appearances during a Cactus League win over the Cubs on Monday. He caught five innings before being lifted for a pinch-runner after his second base on balls.

EDGE Analysis

The projected starting backstop finally got into game action after being eased into spring following a meniscal debridement procedure on his troublesome left knee during the offseason. Murphy complements a solid bat with elite defensive skills, including a rocket arm that gunned down the Royals' Adalberto Mondesi on a steal attempt with a throw clocked at 87.4 mph last season. Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports Murphy won't return to action until Thursday and will have his usage monitored carefully for the balance of the exhibition slate, which will give the promising duo of Austin Allen and Jonah Heim opportunities to battle it out for the backup catcher role.

Murphy (knee) is starting at catcher Monday against the Cubs, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy has been brought along slowly this spring after undergoing a minor cleanup procedure for his left knee back in October, but he's finally ready to make his Cactus League debut. The 25-year-old is on track to open the 2020 season as Oakland's starting catcher after hitting .245/.333/.566 with four home runs in 20 games during his big-league debut in 2019.

Manager Bob Melvin said Murphy (knee) is expected to make his Cactus League debut Tuesday against the White Sox, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Melvin said earlier in spring training Murphy was expected to debut Monday against the Cubs, but he's instead set to see game action a day later. The 25-year-old underwent a minor cleanup procedure on his left knee in October, and the A's are remaining conservative with him. Murphy received his first taste of the majors in 2019 and had a .245/.333/.566 slash line with four home runs in 20 games.

Athletics manager Bob Melvin said Wednesday that he doesn't expect Murphy (knee) to make his Cactus League debut until March 2 versus the Cubs, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Athletics are bringing Murphy along slowly this spring after he underwent a minor cleanup procedure for his left knee back in October. Murphy hasn't endured any setbacks following the surgery and has been taking part in catching drills since reporting to camp, so he should be ready to go for Opening Day once he gets a few spring games under his belt. After posting an .899 OPS over 60 plate appearances in his first taste of the majors last season, Murphy would offer some intriguing upside in 2020 if he can stay healthy and avoid falling into a timeshare behind the dish.

Murphy underwent surgery on his left knee Thursday, but is expected to be ready for spring training, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy had a procedure to fix some meniscus issues, but it likely will not cause him to miss any time in spring training next season. In 20 major-league games this season, the 25-year-old hit four home runs with a .899 OPS.

Murphy will start Wednesday's AL Wild Card Game against Tampa Bay.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy and Josh Phegley had split time behind the plate down the stretch, alternating starts over the final six games. Murphy gets the nod for the critical one-game series, batting ninth.

Murphy is not starting Wednesday against the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy has started four of the past five games behind the dish, going 0-for-12 with six strikeouts and two walks during that stretch. Josh Phegley is starting at backstop and hitting ninth Wednesday.

Murphy is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

The rookie backstop will take a seat after catching Wednesday and Friday, going 0-for-6 with two walks, three strikeouts and two runs scored in those games. He still has a 1.206 OPS since joining the big club, but Murphy will likely continue to work in a relatively even timeshare as the A's look to carefully manage his workload. Murphy missed extended time in the minors this year with knee trouble.

Murphy is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Royals.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy has been on a tear to start his big-league career, hitting .400/.438/.967 with four homers in his first 10 games. Josh Phegley will start behind the plate in his absence.

Murphy is assured of a spot on the Athletics' postseason roster, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The rookie's locked-in playoff ticket stems from a combination of his stellar efforts since joining the Athletics and the fact he'd be the only other catcher besides Josh Phegley on the current roster available for postseason play. Beau Taylor, who Oakland brought back via a waiver claim last Tuesday after his recent release from the Blue Jays, is not eligible for the playoffs due to the fact he was not with the team by Aug. 31.