Atlanta Braves fans distressed as team places Michael Harris II on IL with lower back strain: "Why can’t we have nice things?" "Major bummer"
Atlanta Braves fans were in pain on Friday as what began as a "precautionary" removal of centerfielder Michael Harris II from Thursday's game turned into a 10-day stay on the injured list with a lower back strain.
Harris came up wincing after stealing second base in the second inning. He made it through the remainder of the frame. However, he was replaced in center field by Sam Hilliard in the next inning of the Braves' eventual victory over the San Diego Padres.
Braves fans in attendance, announcers on television, and supporters online held their collective breath awaiting word on the condition of the second-year budding superstar. Initially, those fears were soothed as the team announced that Harris would be taken out of the contest as a precaution.
However, the relief was short-lived as Atlanta placed him on the injured list prior to the second game of four against the Padres this weekend.
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.
Michael Harris II made his Atlanta Braves debut early in the 2022 season. He immediately made an impact, hitting .297 with 19 home runs, 27 doubles, 20 stolen bases, and 64 RBIs in 114 games. Harris II went on to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award.
While he was off to a slow start this season, word of his going on the IL came as quite a disappointment to members of "The Tribe."
@Braves Whhhhyyyyyy???? Why can't we nice things???????? https://t.co/DDCVX7UsUA
@Braves https://t.co/K9Y9gONDum
@Braves we keep winning but man the injuries are a major bummer so far https://t.co/JShSZXTjL5
Harris II has quickly ingrained himself as one of the fan favorites on a team that has locked up many of its young stars — including Harris himself — to long-term deals that run into the next decade. While long-term signings bring comfort in the fact that many key players are locked up for seasons to come, there is always the concern that injuries will temper performances in the long term.
@Braves Hopefully nothing serious. It is the thing that gives me pause about the AA led Braves signing these young pups to long term deals early. Obviously if you hit and the player is great and healthy, it is massively beneficial, but what if you start missing too often?
@Braves Me when a key player gets hurt https://t.co/89EnZcy87L
@Braves https://t.co/FuDkGw5aTf
Michael Harris II arguably hasn't had the hottest of starts in his first full season with the Atlanta Braves. He has hit just .227 with one RBI and three runs scored in six games so far. However, Braves Nation knows what it has in Harris. More than a few Atlantans were offering up their own backs if it meant that their center fielder could live a healthy life.
@Braves how does one give entire back to someone else? https://t.co/Q4dFXd0Gum
With Harris on the IL, the Braves called up outfielder Eli White from Triple-A Gwinnett. White, acquired from the Texas Rangers this past offseason, did not make the big-league club out of spring training.
White has three home runs and five RBIs through four games at Gwinnett, and many Atlanta fans are optimistic of him bringing his power stroke to Truist Park.
@Braves Eli has been on fire in Gwinnett!!
@Braves This is not how I wanted to see Eli White in Atlanta https://t.co/FDMppeM6xt
@Braves Harris gonna come back stronger than ever and eli white gonna perform
Michael Harris II a major part of Atlanta Braves' plans
The Atlanta Braves are currently riding high with the best record in the National League at 6-1. While a brief stay on the IL shouldn't put a major crimp on their aspirations for 2023, he is one of the key cogs in the team's victory plans for this MLB season and beyond.