Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris is having an excellent all-around season. Now in his fifth big-league season, the 25-year-old has continued to play outstanding defense in the outfield. Yet the biggest boost he has provided to the Braves this year has been in the batter's box.
Harris struggled offensively over the past two seasons, and it looked like the player he was during his debut season in 2022 that won National League Rookie of the Year could be in the past.
However, he has made it clear he is still that same guy. Across 61 games this year, Harris has posted a .303 batting average, .338 on-base percentage, .853 OPS, 13 home runs and 37 RBIs.
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Unfortunately, Harris missed Saturday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. During Friday's win over Pittsburgh, Harris left the game early in the ninth inning due to lower back tightness and was replaced by Eli White in center field.
On Saturday, Harris was also not in the lineup, with Mauricio Dubon instead taking over in center field, raising concerns it could be a more serious setback. Even though he did not play, that likely may not be the case.
When speaking with reporters pregame, manager Walt Weiss revealed that Harris had been undergoing treatment and possibly would have been available off the bench Saturday. Weiss also made it clear that the injury is not considered serious (h/t Braves reporter Grant McAuley).
This is relieving for Braves fans to hear. Harris' season has already had some injury problems.
During April and May, Harris dealt with a left quad issue that forced him to miss time and also kept him at designated hitter for a week. His next chance to return to the starting lineup comes Sunday in the series finale against the Pirates, with the Braves looking for a sweep.
