Braves Announce Michael Harris News After Second Straight Absence From Lineup
Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris is having his best season since his debut campaign in 2022, when he took home National League Rookie of the Year. The 25-year-old has continued to play excellent defense throughout his five-year tenure in Atlanta.
However, his bat fell off significantly in 2025, his worst offensive season to date. It is now clear that year was simply an outlier. This year, he is back to being one of the most dangerous hitters in the league.
Across 68 games, he has posted a .306 batting average, .340 on-base percentage, .854 OPS, 14 home runs and 41 RBIs. His power has surged this season, and he is well on his way toward setting a new career high in long balls.
The only limiting factor for Harris this year has been injury concerns. He has dealt with multiple minor issues, including a left quad strain and, most notably, lower back tightness. While he has gotten past the lower-body issue, his back has continued to bother him throughout June.
He missed two games earlier this month with lower back tightness but fortunately returned to the lineup after that. However, his back flared up again Tuesday in a game against the San Francisco Giants, and he has not played since.
Ahead of Friday's series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers, Harris was held out of the lineup for a second straight game. Speaking with reporters pregame, manager Walt Weiss provided an update on his condition, revealing that Harris is trending in the right direction and continuing to receive treatment.
Although he is not ready to return to the starting lineup, he could still be available to pinch-hit. Weiss was unable to rule out an injured list stint, though the team does expect to avoid one (h/t Harrison Smajovits of Braves On SI).
Walt Weiss said Michael Harris II is feeling better but not quite ready to be in the lineup. Getting treatment and could pinch hit tonight
— Harrison Smajovits (@HarrisonSmaj) June 19, 2026
An IL stint isn't ruled out, but he said they think it can still be avoided #Braves
Utility man Mauricio Dubon will start in center field for Harris on Friday. If Harris ends up feeling worse, Dubon would likely be the primary option to replace him going forward.
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This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 1:52 PM.