The Atlanta Braves are one step closer to getting their talented center fielder back. Michael Harris II is currently on a rehab assignment with the Gwinnett Stripers as he prepares to return to an Atlanta lineup that severely needs a boost.
Harris has been out for almost two months due to a grade 2 hamstring strain. Jarred Kelenic has done an admirable job manning center field in Harris' absence but it would give the Braves a nice upgrade to slide Kelenic back to left field and immediately improve Atlanta's defense.
Money Mike, money for @GoStripers 💰
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) August 8, 2024
The @Braves center fielder picks up three knocks in his second rehab outing. pic.twitter.com/3jwr9RzstB
Michael has done well so far in his rehab stint as he's served as DH for the Gwinnett Stripers for two games. He played in the outfield during his third start on Thursday evening. Harris is 4-for-10 with one RBI, three walks, and one strikeout. Seeing him swinging the bat well and getting on base is encouraging. That is something sorely missing from the Atlanta lineup right now.
The biggest questions left are if Harris can remain healthy, who will he replace when he returns, and where will he fit into the Braves lineup?
How will Michael Harris II fit into the Atlanta Braves lineup after he returns from the IL?
The Braves have moved Harris around in the lineup a few times in 2024. He's batted first, second, sixth, seventh, and eighth this season with mixed results. Mike has spent the most time in the first, sixth, and seventh positions with his best average being .279 when batting sixth.
He would be a candidate to lead off but with how great Jorge Soler has been at getting on base lately, there's no reason to change that. Harris makes the most sense in the middle of the lineup. He would lengthen it and it seems he feels the most comfortable there as indicated by his .329 career average in that spot.
So, Atlanta's lineup could look a little something like this:
1. Soler
2. Riley
3. Ozuna
4. Olson
5. d'Arnaud/Murphy
6. Harris II
7. Arcia
8. Kelenic
9. Merrifield
However, Harris' most at-bats have come batting ninth for the team so it's possible the team could consider slotting him at the bottom of the lineup. MHII has a .302 average in that batting position with 25 homers and 75 RBI through 152 games played.
The middle of the lineup seems like the best move but the Braves could easily slot him second if they want to break up the right-handers at the top. Atlanta could also place him ninth if they want to go with his best numbers. Whatever the team decides it will simply be great to see Harris back in the fold.