Evaluating Braves’ options to replace Michael Harris II after injury

When Atlanta Braves centerfielder Michael Harris II was removed from Friday’s game against the Rays with an apparent injury, it initially appeared somewhat minor as he walked quite a bit well off the field and the injury was described as a hamstring strain. However, the postgame update on Harris’ injury was anything but minor as manager Brian Snitker immediately indicated that Harris was expected to go on the IL and was going to have an MRI on Saturday.

Given that we know Harris is going to be on the shelf for a while (and potentially a long time depending on the results of his MRI), that leaves the Braves dangerously low on outfielders, as Atlanta was already without Ronald Acuna Jr. for the rest. of the season after his knee surgery. Here are some of the options the Braves could consider to replace him in the short and long term.

The bigger problem, beyond the fact that Harris is a burgeoning star in the league and difficult to replace, is that Harris is the Braves’ primary center fielder, which severely limits Atlanta’s in-house options. He was replaced in the game by JP Martinez and he played reasonably well, but he is probably best served as a 4th outfielder.

Aside from Martinez, the Braves recently signed Brian Anderson to the 40-man roster who absolutely should not play center, which would likely mean Atlanta would have to move Adam Duvall to center if he was the pick. The only other option on the 40-man roster is Forrest Wall, who is currently down in the minors. Wall has experience as a center, is generally considered a good defender and has an .820 OPS at Triple-A Gwinnett. When it comes to the simplest roster moves, Wall is probably it.

However, if the Braves want to look outside of their 40-man roster, they have a few more options. The team just signed Ramon Laureano a few weeks ago and he also has experience in center field, still has a cannon for an arm even though his bat hasn’t been good in a few years and has hit very well since joining the organization. It’s worth noting that Laureano was scratched midway through Gwinnett’s game Friday night, which could indicate he’s very much in play as an option. Eli White is another option at Triple-A Gwinnett and he is also having a decent year at the plate and has experience playing all over the outfield.

While much depends on the results of Harris’ MRI on his hamstring, the Braves may be forced to consider a trade for an outfielder at the trade deadline, as their internal options are decidedly not ideal . Fortunately, they should have plenty of options if Harris has to be out for a while.

The obvious and most exciting name here is Luis Robert Jr. who was already linked to the Braves as a potential suitor and he is a surefire center fielder, but he has struggled this year and could be out of the zone. comfort of the Braves when it comes to putting together a trade package. Taylor Ward of the Angels could be an option if Los Angeles is willing to part with him, but he doesn’t have much experience at center. Randy Arozarena is another sexy pick if the Braves think they can cover center defensively and the Rays certainly have a history of trading guys away before costing real money, but he’s having a rough year and could cost more than it is worth.

Other than that, the outfield options to enter the trade are much more speculative and may require the Braves to make concessions and/or defensive changes, with Tommy Pham, Heston Kjerstad and Mike Yastrzemski being possible options, although they are imperfect.

In short, the Braves should be able to find someone with a pulse to replace Harris if he has to be out for a while, but Atlanta fans should cross their fingers and toes that his MRI will be good news because most of their options for replacing it come with real problems.

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