Atlanta Braves Still Waiting on Michael Harris to Figure it Out

As great as the Atlanta Braves have been this season, a lot of their success has come with a big hole in the lineup that is Michael Harris II.

Author:
Jake Mastroianni
Jun 7, 2023 1:16 PM EDT

As great as the Atlanta Braves have been this season, a lot of their success has come with a big hole in the lineup that is Michael Harris II.

The NL Rookie of the Year last season had a frustrating start to the season going on the IL on two separate occasions for knee and back issues.

He had a hit in all but one of his first six games of the season before being removed from the game on April 6 and not playing again until April 28.

Finding that groove has been a struggle for the Braves centerfielder as he hit just .167 in May and only has 1 hit so far in June with 6 strikeouts in 4 games.

The numbers on the season aren't very money-like at .163/.246/.244 with 11 walks and 35 Ks in 123 at-bats.

What's crazy is the Statcast data is pretty much the same as last year.

The only thing that really seems to be holding him back is the type of contact he's making. He's getting under the ball too much and not hitting as many line drives the other way.

There are also just too many at-bats this year where he looks lost -- taking pitches in the zone and swinging at pitches out.

The bat will come around eventually, there is very little doubt there. This is too talented of a player not to get it going.

And he's still giving the team Gold Glove-level defense in center field, which is why I think the Braves have given him as long of a leash as they have to figure it out.

But how long are they willing to live with a guy in their lineup who ranks 270th out of 274 in OPS among batters who have at least 120 plate appearances?

They have options like Sam Hilliard, Kevin Pillar, and Eli White on the 40-man who can probably give you similar defense and better offense than Harris is showing right now.

The Braves were just quick to send down Michael Soroka to work on things in a less stressful environment.

Might it be better for Micahel Harris II to work on things in Triple-A?

That's the tough decision the front office is likely contemplating right now.

Right now they're allowing him to try and figure it out at the big league because of his exceptional defense and it hasn't really hurt the Braves record.

And again, Harris will get it going eventually -- there are no concerns about him long-term.

But if he doesn't start seeing some results in the next few weeks, it might be better for him mentally to go to Triple-A and gain some confidence back.

Check out Braves Today on Socials!
Follow Braves Today on Twitter!
Like Braves Today on Facebook!
Check out the homepage for more Atlanta Braves News!
Subscribe to Braves Today on YouTube!
Get Exclusive Braves Merchandise from FOCO