BREAKING: Michael Harris II to 10-day injured list with lower back strain

Atlanta loses last year's Rookie of the Year for at least 10 days to a balky back

Lindsay Crosby | Apr 7, 2023

Well, if you held your breath last night, you were right to do so.

Centerfielder Michael Harris II, who left last night's game with lower back tightness, is going to need more than some ibuprofen to get back into game shape. He'll go on the injured list, missing at least 10 days, the Braves announced on Friday afternoon.

The #Braves today recalled OF Eli White to Atlanta and placed OF Michael Harris II on the 10-day injured list with a lower back strain.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 7, 2023

Taking Harris' place on the roster is Eli White. The 28 year-old flashed in spring training, playing a good center field and batting .429/.500/.893 with three homeruns, six total extra base hits, and a stolen base. White, originally a 11th round pick out of Clemson by the Oakland A's, spent the last three years as a member of the Texas Rangers. He hit .185 with a .556 OPS and was non-tendered after the season, signing a minor league deal with Atlanta and receiving an invite to spring training.

Additionally, he's started off hot in Gwinnett, per Locked On Sports Atlanta's Grant McAuley:

#Braves OF Eli White has 3 HR, 5 RBI, 4R, 2 SB, and a 1.115 OPS in 4 games with Triple-A Gwinnett thus far.

In addition to his plus-defense, White made some swing adjustments over the winter. He should get some chances to show those off with Michael Harris II out for a while. pic.twitter.com/KjvxwSY2Vd
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) April 7, 2023

Harris, 22, was the NL Rookie of the Year in 2022 after batting .297/.339/.514 in 114 games. He was called up in May and showed he immediately belonged despite his age and relative inexperience (only 43 games in the high minors) by collecting hits in six of his first eight games, going 7-25 with multiple extra base hits and exemplary defense.

Harris signed a 8-year, $72 million contract extension in August that, if both team options are picked up, would pay him just over $100M for the next ten years.