It's been a relatively slow start for Atlanta Braves centerfielder Michael Harris II in 2025. After just 21 games played on the season, Harris is slashing .203/.226/.354 so far. Thankfully, he has shown signs of life lately after Alex Verdugo's emergence in the leadoff spot allowed Harris to slide down in the lineup. Hopefully all of these hard hit baseballs start to fall for MH2 and he gets on a heater offensively as the Braves try to climb back up in the NL East standings.
With all that said, the 24 year-old Michael Harris II is still navigating the early ups and downs of a full Major League season. The former National League Rookie of the Year has yet to reach the 140 games played plateau in a single season. Although Harris played the majority of his rookie season post May call-up, he's went through the following two seasons with at least one stint on the injured list.
Michael Harris II's Injury History: A growing list started pretty early on
After earning NL ROY honors in 2022, Harris was a rising star on every opponents radar for the 2023 season. Sadly, an early back injury in April of 2023 forced Harris to land on the IL for the first time in his Major League career. The injury occurred from the combination of a great catch against the wall in St. Louis, an awkward slide into second base against the Padres, and a strain lifting weights just a few days later.
Even though MH2 would return from the IL in late-April, the centerfielder didn't remain healthy long. On May 3, 2023 Harris was removed from the game against the Marlins after jamming his right knee in a scary tumble. Luckily, Harris avoided serious injury and was back in the lineup just a few days later. Despite the return in early May, it was clear the back and knee injuries slowed Harris down as he struggled heavily over the next month. Thankfully, we know the story by know of post June, 2023 when Harris II became one of the top hitters in baseball.
On August 19, 2023 Harris fouled a ball off his foot which forced him to miss the following game against the Giants. Luckily for Harris the X-rays were negative and his brutal 2023 injury luck came to an end.
Michael Harris II exits tonight's game after suffering an injury while running the bases. pic.twitter.com/pS9McimEvg
— Braves On FanDuel Sports Network (@FanDuelSNBraves) June 14, 2024
Harris' speed takes a hit in 2024
After another slow start in 2024, Michael Harris looked to be on track to turning his season around. Sadly, last season was a never-ending blow of back-breaking injuries for the Atlanta Braves. Harris fell victim in June when he pulled up lame sprinting to third base. The following news was terrible as a hamstring injury would mean Harris had to hit the 60-day IL.
Harris returned emphatically in August and helped the battered Braves earn a postseason berth. It ended up being just 110 games played for Harris, but thanks to his defense and strong finish he totaled a 2.0 fWAR on the season. Then in the 2024 Wild Card round against the Padres, Harris conquered some postseason demons when was one of the very few Braves to hit at all during the two-game series.
When healthy Michael Harris II has one of the highest ceilings of any player in MLB. Despite the slow start at the plate there seems to be signs of life in Harris' bat. Hopefully, 2025 is the year he puts it all together and shows the baseball world how special he can be.