The Braves finally had some good news concerning an injury scare.
Outfielder Michael Harris II was hit in the left hand by a 93-mph fastball from DJ Herz in the first inning of Sunday’s game against the Nationals. He remained in the game before eventually exiting in the fifth inning as a precaution with left-hand soreness. Jarred Kelenic replaced him in center field.
Harris underwent tests after the game that showed he didn’t suffer a fracture. He’s considered day-to-day.
Harris returned 10 days ago from a two-month absence due to a strained left hamstring. He’s hitting .233 with a .678 OPS in 10 games since rejoining the lineup.
The Braves have dealt with seemingly endless injury woes, so Harris avoiding missing significant time is rare good news on that front. Third baseman Austin Riley was recently hit in the hand by a pitch and suffered a fracture that will likely sideline him throughout the remainder of the regular season. Harris avoided that fate
“It sucks; we’ve had three guys in the last week and a half who’ve been hit in the hand,” first baseman Matt Olson said. “Obviously, we’re a little jumpy when we see it now. I haven’t heard anything about him but hoping he’s good. There was enough pain to come out of the game, you hate hearing that.”
The Braves have been decimated by injury. It wasn’t just season-ending injuries to reigning National League Ronald Acuña and ace Spencer Strider. The team has been missing key contributors throughout the campaign, never seeing its roster - one many considered MLB’s best entering the season - fully realized. It’s forced the Braves to rely on journeymen acquisitions and youngsters, who’ve done enough to help the club maintain the third and final NL Wild Card spot to this point.
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