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The Atlanta Braves added center fielder Michael Harris to the 10-day injured list on Friday, April 7. Harris injured his back sliding into second on a stolen base attempt against the San Diego Padres. He was removed from the game for precautionary reasons but wound up on the 10-day IL anyway. In a corresponding move, the Braves recalled OF Eli White.
The #Braves today recalled OF Eli White to Atlanta and placed OF Michael Harris II on the 10-day injured list with a lower back strain.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 7, 2023
Michael Harris injury update
April 17 update — Harris won’t be able to return when first eligible like he planned, but it sounds like he’ll be back with the Braves at some point this week:
Michael Harris II provides an update on his status:
— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) April 15, 2023
"Hopefully I'm playing this week sometime, but I'm feeling good." pic.twitter.com/U992abTU1I
April 10 update — Manager Brian Snitker told reporters on Sunday that Harris II is progressing well and could return as soon as he’s eligible next week:
Snitker on Michael Harris II (IL with back strain): “He’s coming along good, he feels good. He feels better, but he wouldn’t be playing yet. But he’s doing the exercises and everything and it’s all going in the right direction with him, there’s no lingering things right now."
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) April 9, 2023
April 7 update — Harris has played in all seven games so far this season. He is hitting .217 with a double and an RBI. Harris has already swiped two stolen bases and is considered a legitimate threat to have a 30/30 season.
Atlanta has solid outfield depth to get by, while Harris is sidelined. Ronald Acuna leads the way and could slide over to center as long as Harris isn’t in the outfield. The Braves still have Marcell Ozuna, Eddie Rosario, Kevin Pillar and Sam Hilliard to fill out the outfield. Pillar could also be another option to play center field with his defensive prowess. White could be depth on the bench, with Pillar and Hilliard getting first cracks at playing time.