In typical fashion this season, the injury bug has once more bit the Braves. Unfortunately for Michael Harris II, it has bitten him twice. The Braves’ centerfielder spent two months on the IL this season with a hamstring injury. On August 25th, Harris had another brush with injury after being hit by a pitch on the hand/wrist area while facing the Nationals and was pulled from the game.
Luckily, tests for a fracture came back negative and Harris is only listed day-to-day. Harris has only played 11 games since returning from the IL. With the team missing Ronald Acuna Jr, Spencer Strider, and Austin Riley, any injuries to key players can be catastrophic. It looks as though the Braves dodged a bullet with this one, but having Harris sit even for a few games might be costly even if he doesn’t land on the IL.
The Braves have a tough schedule ahead
The Braves kicked off a three-game set with the dangerous Minnesota Twins on Monday. The Twins are currently 72-59, slightly better than the Braves’ 71-60 record, and are fighting for the second AL Wild Card spot that was taken from them by the Kansas City Royals. But that isn’t the worst of it.
After the Twins, the Braves will battle the Phillies for four games in city of brotherly love, none of which extends to these two NL East competitors. In every series they have dueled this season, the Braves have taken the upper hand, standing at 6-3 against their bitter rivals. Nonetheless, the Philles are 76-45 and enjoy a six-game lead over the injury riddled Atlanta Braves.
With Michael Harris II on the presumably on the bench, the Braves will dive into their outfield depth with Jared Kelenic, Ramon Laureano, and Adam Duvall likely playing important roles in the outfield while Harris recovers.
If it turns out Harris’ time on the bench is short, it would greatly benefit the Braves as their replacement options currently don’t hold as much promise as the outfielder they are replacing. But even if he avoids the IL and makes it back soon, getting comfortable full swinging the bat may take some time. With a 2.5 game lead to hold the third NL Wild Card spot, there isn't much room for error.
This season, Harris II maintains a .247 average with 7 home runs. Since returning from the IL, Harris has gone 10-44 at the plate with two home runs. In addition, he is one of the top defensive centerfielders in the game. The sooner he is back in the lineup for Atlanta, the better. And as it seems things are trending in a positive direction, his wrist will require some rest and that shouldn’t be rushed.
In fact, during the series opener the Braves chose to allow Harris to play the final three innings in lat night's ballgame. Atlanta decided to remove Jorge Soler from a rain soaked outfield and shuffle Kelenic over to right field in his place. Although it was a small step, it was a positive one to be sure.
Not only is Michael Harris II batting, but he took swings. He's also made multiple terrific defensive plays.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) August 27, 2024
I would say the hand is okay. https://t.co/pGwAUvGdaQ