BREAKING: Atlanta Braves Place Star on Injured List

Atlanta Braves superstar Michael Harris II has been placed on the injured list with a back issue. The reigning National League Rookie of the Year's absence is another blow to the Braves, who are already missing ace pitcher Max Fried, closer Raisel Iglesias and starting pitcher Kyle Wright.

In yet another blow to the defending National League East champions, the Braves are placing superstar outfielder Michael Harris II on the injured list.

#Braves placed OF Michael Harris II (lower back strain) on the 10-day IL and recalled OF Eli White.

— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) April 7, 2023

Braves insider Grant McAuley reports that it's a lower back strain and outfielder Eli White has been recalled to Atlanta. Harris II left Thursday's game against the Padres with the back issue.

Harris II joins starting pitchers Max Fried, Kyle Wright, Mike Soroka and Ian Anderson on the injured list, as well as closer Raisel Iglesias.

Harris II will be a big loss from the lineup. He won the National League Rookie of the Year in 2022, hitting .297 with 19 homers and 64 RBIs in 114 games. He also stole 20 bases. 

He was drafted in the third round of the 2019 MLB draft out of the Georgia high school ranks and pairs with Ronald Acuna Jr., Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley and Matt Olson to make one of the best offenses in the major leagues.

White, 28, is entering his first season with the Braves after spending the previous three years with the Texas Rangers. He certainly won't be able to replicate what Harris II does offensively. He's a career .185 hitter and has just nine career home runs. He is off to a hot start in AAA, however, hitting three home runs with five RBIs in 4 games.

The Braves continue their series on Friday night at 7:20 p.m. ET with the San Diego Padres.

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