Prospect Watch: When will Hayden Harris make his Braves debut?

The Braves have several prospects that could make their MLB debuts down the stretch.

With the rotation completely decimated, it’s not out of the question that JR Ritchie makes an appearance with the major-league club. Although, given he’s already pitched over 108 innings this season — 60 more than his previous career high — it feels unlikely that the Braves push him much further.

Jhancarlos Lara is another intriguing arm that’s inching closer to the majors. The 22-year-old boasts a fastball that sits in the triple digits with one of the nastiest sliders in the sport. He experienced some struggles early on this season, but ever since the Braves made him a full-time reliever, he’s had some very impressive moments.

But nobody is more deserving of joining the Braves than Hayden Harris, and frankly, it’s a bit head-scratching that he hasn’t already made his MLB debut.

A local product from Augusta that attended Georgia Southern University, Harris signed with the Braves as an undrafted free agent and has turned himself into an elite relief pitcher on the farm. In 35 appearances this season between AA-AAA, he boasts a 0.64 ERA, including a 0.47 mark since he was promoted to Gwinnett. He’s striking out over 14 batters per nine innings and owns a 0.786 WHIP.

Hayden Harris has been absolutely unhittable. He’s 26-years-old, and the Braves have a number of bodies taking up bullpen roles that have absolutely no future with the organization. I’m not sure what else the front office needs to see, but it would be rather shocking if Harris didn’t make his Braves debut before the end of the season.