Just when the Atlanta Braves offense looked like it had life again, another injury in their outfield struck. Michael Harris II left Friday night’s 7-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays with left hamstring tightness. After a leadoff single in the first, Harris took third on an Ozzie Albies double and was visibly in pain. He left the game moments later, replaced by J.P. Martinez, who stayed in for the remainder of the game. Harris will have an MRI on Saturday but has already been placed on the 10-day injured list.
Another Braves Outfielder Snakebit With Injury
#Braves added OF Ramón Laureano to the major league roster after putting CF Michael Harris II on the 10-day IL with a strained left hamstring following Friday’s game. To make room on the 40-man roster, Spencer Strider was transferred to the 60-day IL.
— David O’Brien (@DOBrienATL) June 15, 2024
Before Harris’s injury on Friday, it had seemed the center fielder was starting to find a rhythm. His single in the first inning extended his hitting streak to five games. Harris is slashing .250/.295/.358 with five home runs and an 84 wRC+ in 67 games this season. Another question that the Braves will have to figure out again is the leadoff spot in the order. Harris has been splitting time with Ozzie Albies since the Ronald Acuña Jr. injury, as he was the leadoff option against right-handed pitching. It seems likely that Albies will be the primary leadoff hitter because he is a switch hitter.
Former Oakland Athletic Reuniting With Olson and Murphy
With Harris landing on the 10-day injured list, the Braves selected outfielder Ramon Laureano’s contract to the major league roster. With this move, the Braves officially moved right-handed pitcher Spencer Strider to the 60-day injured list. This move allowed for an open spot on the 40-man roster.
The #Braves today selected OF Ramón Laureano to the major league roster and placed OF Michael Harris II on the 10-day injured list with a strained left hamstring. To make room on the 40-man roster, Atlanta transferred RHP Spencer Strider to the 60-day injured list.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 15, 2024
Laureano began this season on the Cleveland Guardians’ roster but was eventually released after 31 games. He was released on May 25 after hitting just .143/.265/.603, with one home run and four RBI. Atlanta signed Laureano four days later, on May 29, to a minor league contract. The Braves seem to be going with the hot hand, as Laureano has been on fire in Triple-A Gwinnett. In 14 games, he is slashing .362/.424/1.027 with three home runs in 58 at-bats.
Kelenic leading off, playing center, and newcomer Laureano in right with MH2 on the IL for #Braves. https://t.co/ypiOdcoyYE
— David O’Brien (@DOBrienATL) June 15, 2024
With this promotion back to the major leagues, Laureano will be greeted by familiar faces in the clubhouse. Matt Olson and Sean Murphy were teammates with Laureano for the Oakland Athletics. All three played together during the 2019–2021 seasons, with Olson being the first to join Atlanta in 2022.
Main Photo Credits: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
