{"id":83043,"date":"2024-08-14T17:13:03","date_gmt":"2024-08-14T21:13:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=83043"},"modified":"2024-08-14T17:13:03","modified_gmt":"2024-08-14T21:13:03","slug":"braves-michael-harris-ii-return","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/08\/14\/braves-michael-harris-ii-return\/","title":{"rendered":"Braves Outfielder\u2019s Return Could Revive Lackluster Outfield Play"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Atlanta Braves center fielder <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/h\/harrimi04.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-08-14_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Michael Harris II<\/a> 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/a\/albieoz01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-08-14_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ozzie Albies<\/a> against the Tampa Bay Rays.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Snitker confirmed Michael Harris II will be activated Wednesday<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/mlbbowman\/status\/1823145870566814027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 12, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2>Michael Harris II Set to Return for Braves<\/h2>\n<p>In the absence of Harris, the Atlanta Braves have explored various options to fill the center field position. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/k\/kelenja01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-08-14_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jarred Kelenic<\/a> initially <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/06\/04\/braves-outfielder-starting-heat-up\/\" target=\"_self\">showed promise<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/l\/laurera01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-08-14_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ram\u00f3n Laureano<\/a> has been given opportunities in center field without success. Triple-A players such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/w\/whiteel04.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-08-14_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Eli White<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/w\/wallfo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-08-14_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Forrest Wall<\/a> 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, &#8220;It feels somewhat similar to the first day of school,&#8221; Harris said. &#8220;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.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3>Harris\u2019s Rehab Assignment Shows Promise<\/h3>\n<p>Harris began his <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/08\/06\/michael-harris-ii-rehab-assignment\/\" target=\"_self\">rehab assignment<\/a> 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&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Michael Harris II = money \ud83d\udcb0<\/p>\n<p>110.5 mph | 411 ft for the <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Braves?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@Braves<\/a> center fielder on his first <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/GoStripers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@GoStripers<\/a> rehab homer! <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/BV1T6cyYhO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/BV1T6cyYhO<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MiLB\/status\/1822438038846554134?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 11, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Roster Moves with Harris\u2019s Return<\/h3>\n<p>In light of Harris&#8217;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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/d\/dunshpa01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-08-14_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Parker Dunshee<\/a> 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/d\/duvalad01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-08-14_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adam Duvall<\/a> or Ram\u00f3n 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.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">The <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Braves?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#Braves<\/a> today returned OF Michael Harris II from his rehabilitation assignment and reinstated him from the injured list, and optioned OF Eli White to Triple-A Gwinnett. To make room on the 40-man roster, Atlanta designated RHP Parker Dunshee for assignment.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Atlanta Braves (@Braves) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Braves\/status\/1823784114849255484?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 14, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Stability Being Brought Back In The Outfield<\/h3>\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/managers\/snitkbr99.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brian Snitker<\/a> 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/07\/30\/braves-trade-soler-jackson-giants\/\" target=\"_self\">addition<\/a> of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/s\/solerjo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-08-14_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jorge Soler<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n<p>The Braves outfield has a collective 0.2 fWAR this season, according to FanGraphs. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/a\/acunaro01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-08-14_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ronald Acu\u00f1a Jr.<\/a> leads all Braves outfielders in the category for 2024, despite being out since May 26th with a <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/05\/26\/acuna-acl-braves-injury\/\" target=\"_self\">left ACL tear<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Photo Credit: \u00a9 Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5183,"featured_media":83095,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[21,1071],"tags":[130,291,28245,1992,780,71,6252,143,2501,1982],"class_list":["post-83043","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-braves","category-mlb","tag-adam-duvall","tag-brian-snitker","tag-chicago-white-sox","tag-jarred-kelenic","tag-jorge-soler","tag-miami-marlins","tag-michael-harris-ii","tag-ozzie-albies","tag-ramon-laureano","tag-ronald-acuna-jr"],"modified_by":"Lewis Masella, Site Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83043","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5183"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=83043"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83043\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/83095"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=83043"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=83043"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=83043"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}