Braves place another star on IL as injuries stack up in NL East
By Scott Rogust
The injuries, unfortunately, continue to pile up for the Atlanta Braves, as they placed outfielder Michael Harris II on the injured list.
The Atlanta Braves are rolling through the first two weeks of the season, as they hold a 6-1 record entering Friday night. The day before, they managed to secure a walk-off 7-6 win over the San Diego Padres after overcoming a 6-4 deficit.
This is impressive, considering they are dealing with injuries to Kyle Wright, Max Fried, and Raisel Iglesias. Unfortunately for the Braves, the injuries are starting to pile up.
On Friday, Atlanta officially placed outfielder Michael Harris on the 10-day injured list after picking up a lower back strain. In a corresponding move, the Braves called up prospect Eli White.
News: Michael Harris II was placed on the 10-day injured list with a lower back strain. The Braves recalled Eli White to take his place.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) April 7, 2023
Braves place Michael Harris II on injured list
Harris left after he went to slide into second base. The 22-year-old outfielder was removed from the game as a precaution with what was described as lower back tightness.
Michael Harris II left tonight’s game as a precaution due to lower back tightness.
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) April 7, 2023
Harris appeared uncomfortable following this second-inning slide. pic.twitter.com/34SUhMATTh
But, Snitker said after the game that the injury didn’t occur during the slide. Rather, Snitker said Harris’ back tightened up on him after a play at the outfield wall. Harris then said that his back ailment occurred during a leaping catch during Atlanta’s Apr. 5 game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Snicker said Michael Harris II’s back tightened after a play at the wall, not on the stolen base. Said he’s day-to-day. (And yes, for those who are about to make a funny, we all are day-to-day)
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) April 7, 2023
Michael Harris said he hurt his back on the leaping grab at the wall on Wednesday in STL.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) April 7, 2023
He then re-aggravated it on the slide into second base last night versus the Padres.
Harris said he would probably play through this if it were later in the season.
Now, we know that Harris’ injury was indeed a strain. He could be activated off of the injured list as soon as Apr. 17.
Harris played in all seven games for Atlanta this season, where he recorded a .217 batting average, a .280 on-base percentage, a .261 slugging percentage, one RBI, three runs scored, and five hits.
White spent the start of the 2023 season with Triple-A Gwinnett. In four games, he recorded four hits in 17 at-bats, three of which were home runs. White also recorded five RBI and four runs scored.
The Braves will look to continue their hot streak to start the season. They have been performing well, even with their aforementioned injuries. We’ll see if they can keep it up without Harris and for the remainder of their series against the Padres.
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