Losers of four out of five, the Atlanta Braves are looking to get back on track in the opener of their series at home against the San Francisco Giants. The Braves’ seven-and-a-half-game margin at the top of the NL East is solid for now, but the Philadelphia Phillies’ level of play has increased considerably under interim manager Don Mattingly. As Atlanta looks to topple the Giants, outfielder Michael Harris II left the contest early. According to the team’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, Harris II left due to lower back tightness.
“OF Michael Harris II was removed from tonight’s game due to lower back tightness,” posted the team’s official account.
Hopefully, Harris II just needs some extra rest. With star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. and catcher Sean Murphy currently on the IL, the Braves could use Harris in the lineup. However, Atlanta needs to show that it can win without the man also known as “ATL Mike.” Tuesday’s game would be a good start, as the Braves and Giants are currently in a rain delay, with Atlanta currently down to the visitors 3-2.
Mauricio Dubon moved from left to center field to take over for Harris II, while Eli White replaced Dubon in left. Returning home should do the Braves some good. The current NL East leaders lost four out of their five games on the road, with the series finale at the Chicago White Sox postponed due to weather. However, before that, Atlanta won five out of six at Truist Park, winning their series against the Toronto Blue Jays before sweeping the Pittsburgh Pirates. If Harris II is only out for a couple of matchups, then the Braves can weather that absence. However, a possible IL stint could further hinder an inconsistent Atlanta lineup as of late.
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