Atlanta Braves Injury Update: Travis d'Arnaud, Michael Harris, and Collin McHugh
By Fred Owens
The Atlanta Braves injured list showed signs of recovery with updates on the progress of Michael Harris II, Collin McHugh, Raisel Iglesias, and Travis d’Arnaud.
Center Fielder on the Mend
Michael Harris was placed on the 10-day disabled list with back spams after colliding with the center field wall when the Padres visited Atlanta.
Harris told David O’Brien and others that he suffered a back strain/inflammation, and he’s easing back into baseball activities. He’s taking fly balls and hitting off a tee which puts him at least three weeks away from returning to the lineup.
The outstanding play of Sam Hilliard at the plate and in the field while Harris recovers kept the Braves defense tight up the middle.
Catching up with d’Arnaud
Atlanta Braves catcher Travis d’Arnaud went on the seven-day injured list after colliding with Padres outfielder Rougned Odor. The dean of the Braves’ catching corps was placed on the Major League concussion list in May 2014 while playing for the Mets.
Braves Skipper Brian Snitker told Sports Illustrated d’Arnaud has “had a few of them,” suggesting he had a couple while in the Minors. TDA hit in the cage today after doctors cleared d’Arnaud to take batting practice. Recovery from a concussion takes as long as it takes, so there’s no timetable for d’Arnaud’s return.
The Opposite Side of the Battery
The Atlanta Braves projected Raisel Iglesias as their closer after dominating opposing batters last year, but shoulder soreness sent him to the IL before Spring Training ended.
Yesterday he threw a side session and said he felt good afterward. Iglesias is still a few weeks away from returning, but Minter and Anderson have filled in admirably in his absence.
On April 4, Collin McHugh threw 1 1/3 innings for Rome in his first appearance since going on the 10-day IL. He toed the rubber for Rome again last night, but the 10 days between the two outings suggest he’s not close to returning.
That’s a Wrap
Today’s news indicates that none of the injured players will return soon. Travis d’Arnaud seems the closest to returning, but concussions are unpredictable, and the Braves won’t rush his return.
The last word we received on Orlando Arcia was five days ago when the team said doctors would re-evaluate him in the next two weeks.