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Braves Outfielder’s Return Could Revive Lackluster Outfield Play

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Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II is scheduled to return Wednesday against the San Francisco Giants. Harris has been sidelined due to a grade two hamstring strain sustained on June 14th. The injury occurred while he was running from first to third base after a single hit down the right field line by Ozzie Albies against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Michael Harris II Set to Return for Braves

In the absence of Harris, the Atlanta Braves have explored various options to fill the center field position. Jarred Kelenic initially showed promise as a potential solution, delivering a strong performance in June. During that month, he served as the leadoff batter and played center field, achieving a commendable .304 batting average. However, July proved to be a challenging month for Kelenic, as his batting average dropped significantly to .137. Consequently, it was determined that Kelenic would be better suited returning to a platoon split role.

Ramón Laureano has been given opportunities in center field without success. Triple-A players such as Eli White and Forrest Wall were also given chances to establish themselves in the center field. However, they did not achieve significant results. It is evident that the Atlanta Braves are pleased with the return of Michael Harris. When asked about his return, Harris expressed his excitement by stating, “It feels somewhat similar to the first day of school,” Harris said. “It feels as though I have not seen them in a considerable amount of time. It has been a while since I have been out there with them, and I am simply thrilled to return.”

Harris’s Rehab Assignment Shows Promise

Harris began his rehab assignment on August 6th in Triple-A Gwinnett, demonstrating remarkable performance. Over the course of six games with the Stripers, he accumulated 26 plate appearances, 10 hits, two home runs, and 13 total bases, hitting an impressive .435/.500/.565 to go along with a 1.065 OPS. These statistics are particularly noteworthy considering Harris’s absence from baseball activities for a significant period of one month and 22 days. Initially starting his rehab assignment as the designated hitter, he transitioned to playing center field after two games, signaling his readiness for a return to major league play.

Roster Moves with Harris’s Return

In light of Harris’s reinstatement from the 60-day injured list, the Braves have made several roster adjustments. Outfielder Eli White has been optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett, necessitating a corresponding move to accommodate the 40-man roster limit. Consequently, the Braves have designated right-handed pitcher Parker Dunshee for assignment. Dunshee made his MLB debut on August 8th against the Milwaukee Brewers, but after seven years in the minor leagues, the Braves have decided to part ways with him. This decision has surprised many fans, who expected Adam Duvall or Ramón Laureano to be assigned instead. While White offered valuable defensive skills and speed as a potential bench player, both Duvall and Laureano lack minor league options.

Stability Being Brought Back In The Outfield

Harris returning to center field for the Braves is going to bring back a number of things they have been missing this season, including solid defense in the field and speed on the base paths. Manager Brian Snitker said there will be no restrictions when it comes to steal attempts for Harris. Snitker also said that Harris will be back to batting in the middle of the order. With the addition of Jorge Soler, he will be manning the lead-off and right field position. This should finally provide the stability the Braves outfield desperately needs. It seems only Jarred Kelenic will need the platoon split.

The Braves outfield has a collective 0.2 fWAR this season, according to FanGraphs. Ronald Acuña Jr. leads all Braves outfielders in the category for 2024, despite being out since May 26th with a left ACL tear. In terms of fWAR, the Braves are currently ahead of only the Miami Marlins and the 29-win Chicago White Sox. Stability and meaningful production are essential for the Braves to make a deep postseason run. The return of Harris should provide these elements and will be welcomed by fans when he rejoins the lineup on Wednesday night.

 

Photo Credit: © Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The post Braves Outfielder’s Return Could Revive Lackluster Outfield Play appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.