Braves' Michael Harris lands on injured list with strained back
Braves' Michael Harris lands on injured list with strained back
The Atlanta Braves have placed outfielder Michael Harris on the injured list with a strained back, the team announced on Monday. The move is retroactive to Sunday, April 10.
Harris, 20, was called up to the majors for the first time on April 6, after impressing in spring training. In his first four games with the Braves, he went 1-for-8 with a walk and two strikeouts.
It is unclear how long Harris will be out of action, but the Braves will likely take a cautious approach with the young outfielder, who is considered one of their top prospects.
Harris was drafted by the Braves in the third round of the 2019 MLB draft, and has quickly established himself as one of the organization's most exciting young players. In 2019, he hit .323 with six home runs and 27 RBIs in 47 games for the Gulf Coast League Braves.
Last year, Harris continued to impress in the minors, batting .323 with five home runs and 24 RBIs in 43 games for the Rome Braves.
Despite his relative lack of experience, Harris has drawn comparisons to some of the game's top outfielders, including Ronald Acuña Jr., who also came up through the Braves' system.
The injury to Harris is a blow to the Braves, who are off to a slow start this season with a 3-6 record. The team is currently without several key players due to injury, including star outfielder Marcell Ozuna and starting pitcher Max Fried.
With Harris out of action, the Braves will likely turn to veteran outfielder Ender Inciarte to fill the void. Inciarte, a three-time Gold Glove winner, has struggled at the plate in recent years, but is still considered one of the best defensive outfielders in the game.
The Braves will hope to have Harris back in action soon, as they look to turn their season around and contend for a playoff spot. While the young outfielder is still early in his career, his potential is undeniable, and he figures to play a big role in the Braves' future plans.
Braves' Michael Harris II lands on injured list with back tightness after hitting wall
Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II has been placed on the injured list with back tightness after crashing into the outfield wall during Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Harris, who made his major league debut earlier this season, was chasing down a fly ball hit by the Phillies' Bryce Harper in the fourth inning when he collided with the wall. The impact left Harris down on the warning track for several minutes before he was able to get up and walk off the field under his own power.
Despite initially staying in the game, Harris was eventually removed in the seventh inning due to back tightness. The Braves later decided to place him on the injured list, where he will be eligible to return in 10 days.
The 20-year-old Harris has made an immediate impact since being called up from Double-A Mississippi earlier this season. In five games with the Braves, he's batting .333 with one home run and two RBI, and has shown impressive range and athleticism in the outfield.
The injury is a setback for both Harris and the Braves, who are currently in first place in the National League East. However, the team remains confident in its ability to weather the storm and continue to compete at a high level.
"We're obviously disappointed to lose Michael for any amount of time, but we know he's a tough kid and will do everything he can to get back on the field as soon as possible," Braves manager Brian Snitker said. "In the meantime, we have a lot of confidence in the rest of our outfielders and the depth we have on this team to continue playing at a high level."
The Braves will look to keep their momentum going without Harris when they take on the Miami Marlins on Tuesday night. While his absence will be felt, the team is determined to stay focused and continue to compete at a high level as they look to defend their NL East title and make a deep run in the playoffs.
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