The Atlanta Braves are poised to reintegrate a vital player into their lineup for their game in San Francisco on Wednesday. The team has officially activated outfielder Michael Harris from the 60-day injured list, a significant move for a Braves squad eager to bolster its roster. Harris has been sidelined since June 14, when he suffered a hamstring injury while running the bases during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
To accommodate Harris’s return, the Braves have made a series of roster moves. Outfielder Eli White has been optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett, and right-handed pitcher Parker Dunshee has been designated for assignment to free up a spot on the 40-man roster. These adjustments are designed to streamline the Braves’ roster and ensure they can effectively integrate Harris back into their lineup.
The #Braves 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.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 14, 2024
Before his injury, Harris was hitting .250/.295/.358 with five home runs and an 80 wRC+ (weighted runs created plus), a metric that evaluates a player’s offensive performance. Despite a promising start to the season, Harris, like many of his teammates, experienced a downturn in performance during May and June. Nonetheless, his career wRC+ stands at 115, indicating his overall ability to contribute offensively. Harris’s return is expected to be a substantial boost, particularly in terms of defensive capabilities. His presence on the field is anticipated to improve the Braves’ defensive metrics, offering a significant upgrade over some of their other outfield options.
During his rehab assignment with Gwinnett, Harris demonstrated that he is back to form. Over six games, he posted a solid performance, going 10-for-23 at the plate with one home run. This performance suggests that Harris is ready to make an immediate impact as he rejoins the Braves for their upcoming games.
Harris’s activation is a welcome development for the Braves, who have been navigating the challenges of the season with several players on the injured list. The return of Harris not only provides a boost to the team’s offense but also enhances their defensive lineup. As the Braves continue their push for success in the season, having Harris back in the fold could be a key factor in their quest to secure a strong position in the postseason race.
