Atlanta Braves place outfielder Michael Harris II on IL with hamstring strain as injuries continue

The Atlanta Braves have placed center fielder Michael Harris II on injured reserve with a strained left hamstring. The Braves call up outfielder Ramón Laureano from the minor leagues to round out the roster.

Although Atlanta placed Harris on the 10-day IL, the 23-year-old outfielder was diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, which could prolong his recovery. According to multiple reports, Braves manager Brian Snitker is unsure how long Harris will be out, but expects it to be a long time.

Harris left the Braves’ game Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays early after being injured while running the bases. Harris grimaced as he went from second to third, but managed to get out on his own.

The Braves won the game 7-4.

Harris, who was the NL Rookie of the Year in 2022, currently holds a .250 batting average this season, with 65 hits, 20 RBIs, five home runs and eight stolen bases. His OPS is 0.653.

It’s the latest blow for the Braves, who have dealt with several injuries to key players in recent weeks. The biggest loss was to reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr., who tore his ACL on May 26 and is out for the rest of the season. Other players excluded include catcher Sean Murphy and pitchers Jimmy Herget and AJ Minter.

The Braves are 38-30 and in second place in the NL East, well behind the first-place Philadelphia Phillies at 47-23.