SE Atlanta News

Ben Weinrib

ATLANTA -- Center fielder Michael Harris II left the Braves’ 7-3 win over the Rays on Friday night in the first inning with left hamstring tightness and is expected to land on the injured list.

After hitting a leadoff single, the 2022 National League Rookie of the Year took third on Ozzie Albies’ double but grimaced as he neared the bag. He doubled over in pain before meeting with the athletic trainer and exiting the game.

J.P. Martínez pinch-ran for Harris and came around to score four pitches later on a Marcell Ozuna homer. Martínez stayed in the game and took over for Harris in center field, going 1-for-4 with one run scored.

Harris is set to undergo an MRI on Saturday, after which the team can determine how long his absence will be. However, manager Brian Snitker expects an IL stint even in a best-case scenario.

“It’s tough,” third baseman Austin Riley said. “What [Harris] does out there in center and, obviously, in our lineup, you hate that. You really do. Seems like we’ve been kind of snakebit on injuries this year. But it’s going to be a ‘next guy up’ mentality, but I’m sure whoever steps in will do just fine.”

The injury to Harris is another significant blow for the Braves after losing reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. for the season due to a torn left ACL. Harris had taken over the leadoff spot against righties following Acuña's injury.

Replacing Harris’ defense in center field could be challenging, as he was the only Braves player to man the position this season before his injury. Forrest Wall is an option already on the 40-man roster, and he has played center field for Triple-A Gwinnett, as has Ramón Laureano, who would need to be added to the 40-man roster.

To fill the leadoff spot, the Braves could turn back to Albies, who has been atop the order in six of his past 17 starts.

Regardless, it’s tough news for a team that was starting to hit its stride offensively with five or more runs scored in consecutive games for the first time since April 19-20.