Given the team's recent history with injuries, it is understandable that some Atlanta Braves fans had a bout of PTSD when it was revealed that Michael Harris II is dealing with some soreness in his back. Former manager Brian Snitker was far more likely to let a guy play through minor aches and pains than Walt Weiss is, and given how important Harris has been to the Braves' offense this season, every absence of his is felt by the team in very tangible ways.
Everyone with the Braves has downplayed the severity of Harris' back injury. Weiss was extremely clear that pulling him early from Friday's game was precautionary and that there was a decent chance that he would be in the lineup the next day. When Harris WASN'T in the lineup Saturday, Weiss said that he just had a little lingering soreness and that there was a possibility that Harris would still be available to hit in the game if necessary.
Well, Harris did not play at all on Saturday, either, and one wonders if Atlanta's concern with him is greater than it appears to be right now. The only way to find out is to put Harris back in the lineup and keep him there for a few games.
Michael Harris II's back injury is starting to look like a problem, but not an insurmountable one
Part of the issue is that we have already seen Harris deal with a lingering injury this season. Just a few weeks ago, a quad injury forced the Braves to give Harris some intermittent days off and to use him in the DH spot on occasion. That worked out pretty well, but it also showed how different this Braves offense is when he is not in the lineup.
In 61 games this season, Harris has slashed .303/.338/.516 with 13 homers, which has added up to a 137 wRC+ across 234 plate appearances. Aside from his continued refusal to work walks, Harris has been everything that the Braves could have hoped for from him this season. Hell, if he could just bump his OBP up to the .360ish range, Harris would have a strong argument to be in the MVP discussion.
As a result, fans and experts alike are going to be nervous until Harris is back in the lineup and sticks there for a bit. One can only use hand-wavy comments about his injury for so long before people start asking the hard questions. Having Harris back in the lineup on Sunday would be a good start, but everyone should remain vigilant until he is playing in center (almost) every day again and playing well. Until then, some amount of concern feels very warranted.
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