The Braves centerfield’s return to the lineup is uncertain.
After today’s 9-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, it was announced that Michael Harris II has a Grade 2 hamstring strain. The timeline for his return to the line-up is unknown according to Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker, who spoke with reporters after the game.
Harris has a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Snit said he doesn’t know how long the CF will miss. He said it will just be a long time.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) June 15, 2024
Harris II injured his hamstring going first-to-third in the first inning of yesterday’s win against the Rays. He was replaced by J.P. Martinez.
Jarred Kelenic started in centerfield for Atlanta today and batted lead-off. Prior to the game, the Braves recalled outfielder Roman Laureano to take Harris II’s roster spot when Harris II was placed on the 10-day IL.
Harris II had struggled this season – as have many of the Braves regulars – with a .250/.295/.358 slash line at the time of his injury. He had recently spent some time in the lead-off spot for Atlanta as the team looked to replace Ronald Acuna Jr.’s place in the line-up after Acuna Jr. was lost for the season last month.
A 2019 study by published in the Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine found that the mean about of time missed for a Grade 2 hamstring strain by baseball players was 33-34 days, meaning that Harris could be looking at 4-6 weeks until he is able to be activated from the IL.
“Grade 2 hamstring strain. They will treat him up and when he is ready to play, we will play him”
Brian Snitker provides an update on Michael Harris II pic.twitter.com/3I76KOlB0c
— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) June 15, 2024