Braves Announce Michael Harris Move Before Tigers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Apr 28, 2026 5:33 PM ET

The Atlanta Braves remain the most dangerous team in baseball entering Tuesday’s series opener against the Detroit Tigers. Atlanta holds a 7.0-game lead in the National League East, and even though it is only April, the club continues to widen the gap between itself and the rest of the division.

A major reason for that dominance has been the resurgence of center fielder Michael Harris. The 2022 NL Rookie of the Year had not matched that level of production at the plate in recent seasons, but through his first 27 games of 2026, he has.

The 25-year-old is hitting .323 with a .360 on-base percentage, .919 OPS, six home runs and 20 RBIs. Combined with his elite defense, Harris has been one of the best all-around players in MLB.

Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II (23) © Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

However, a minor setback in April briefly limited that impact. Harris had not played center field since last Thursday due to left quad tightness, serving only as the designated hitter while managing the issue.

He was even scratched from Friday’s lineup as a precaution. The Braves listed him as day-to-day, and with him avoiding the field for multiple days, there was concern that the injury could progress and potentially lead to an IL stint.

Fortunately for Atlanta, that will not be necessary. Ahead of Tuesday’s opener against Detroit, Harris went through a series of running drills to test the quad and determine whether any discomfort remained. He passed without issue. Shortly after, the Braves announced their lineup, and Harris was officially moved back in center field, batting fifth.

New series on deck!#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/arHmYUDx5v
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 28, 2026

This is good news for a Braves team that has already dealt with its share of injuries to both the pitching staff and position-player group. All-Star catcher Sean Murphy and starting shortstop Ha-Seong Kim are currently on the 10-day injured list, making Harris presence even more valuable.

Now in his fifth season with Atlanta, Harris has spent his entire career with the organization since being selected in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft.

After a disappointing 2025 season that saw the Braves miss the playoffs, Harris is doing everything he can to ensure that outcome does not repeat, and getting him back in center field only strengthens baseball’s most complete roster.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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