Atlanta Braves Activate Michael Harris II From Injured List

The reigning National League Rookie of the Year is back, as the Atlanta Braves have activated Michael Harris II from the injured list. Harris II had been out with a lower back strain. In a corresponding move, Nick Solak was sent to Triple-A.

After an early season full of injuries, the Atlanta Braves are getting a whole lot healthier.

The team has already returned starting pitchers Kyle Wright and Max Fried and activated reliever Collin McHugh. They are also getting closer to bringing back shortstop Orlando Arcia.

On Friday, the Braves also announced they have activated reigning National League Rookie of the Year Michael Harris II from the injured list. He had been out with a lower back strain.

The Braves provided more information in a tweet:

"The #Braves today returned OF Michael Harris II from his rehabilitation assignment and reinstated him from the injured list. The club also reinstated OF Eli White from the paternity list and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett, while OF Nick Solak was optioned to Gwinnett following yesterday’s game."

The #Braves today returned OF Michael Harris II from his rehabilitation assignment and reinstated him from the injured list. The club also reinstated OF Eli White from the paternity list and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett, while OF Nick Solak was optioned to Gwinnett following…

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 28, 2023

Harris's return will be a major boon to an already great offense. He made his debut last year and played 114 games, hitting .297 with 19 home runs, 64 RBI and 20 stolen bases.

In the early going this season, before the injury, Harris II was hitting .217 with no home runs and one RBI.

The Braves are currently 17-9 and in first place in the National League East. They are ahead of the New York Mets (15-11), Philadelphia Phillies (13-13), Miami Marlins (13-13) and Washington Nationals (9-15).

The Braves will open up a weekend series with the rival Mets on Friday night in New York. First pitch from Citi Field is at 7:10 p.m. ET as Max Fried pitches against David Peterson.

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