The Atlanta Braves appear to be in very good shape during the early portion of 2026. They currently sit at 9-5 with arguably the best pitching staff in the league and a lineup that is as explosive as any in baseball. One of those early-season contributors has been Michael Harris II, who has shown promising signs of a turnaround this season, but that quest back to stardom is being put on hold for the moment.
On Saturday, when no moves were necessarily expected, the Braves announced that they would be without Harris II and were calling up outfielder Luke Williams amidst some roster housekeeping. While that sort of roster move would normally inspire panic given Atlanta's recent injury luck, Money Mike's absence is for a much better reason, as he is going on paternity leave.
The #Braves today selected INF Luke Williams to the major league roster and placed OF Michael Harris II on the paternity list. To make room on the 40-man roster, Atlanta transferred LHP Danny Young to the 60-day injured list. The club today also reinstated RHP Daysbel Hernández…
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 11, 2026
Braves call up Luke Williams as Michael Harris II goes out on paternity leave
First of all, huge congratulations to the new dad. This is an occasion to be celebrated. While we don't know if it is a boy or a girl, "Michael Harris III" is probably a heavy favorite in terms of names if it is a boy. MLB paternity leave allows a player to spend up to three days, so there is a pretty reasonable chance that Harris II will miss the rest of the Guardians series. Harris' homer on Friday night may be one his family considers particularly special now.
Atlanta just has to make things work in the meantime. Williams gives the Braves a pinch-running option, but the drop-off at the plate from Harris is pretty severe. Thankfully, Atlanta's offense has been humming along outside of Harris, so they may not even need him the next couple of days (yes, yes, famous last words, we know).
The rest of the moves here are mostly paperwork, although it is nice to see Daysbel Hernandez is on the mend. Hernandez was a strong candidate to make the Braves' bullpen out of camp before word got out that he was going to be on the injured list. If any Atlanta relievers struggle or get hurt, you can expect Hernandez to be in the running as the next man up.