Michael Harris II was the Atlanta Braves hero in their big comeback victory against the Colorado Rockies on Friday night. Harris II was not in the lineup due to his quad injury, but before the game, it was noted that he would be available off the bench. How did he deliver? With a go-ahead pinch-hit home run to put the Braves on top in the ninth inning.
mlb.com/news/michael-harris-ii-s-two-run-homer-fuels-braves-comeback-at-coors”>MLB.com’s Owen Perkins wrote (on May 1):
“It was Harris’ first career pinch-hit home run, and he is the first Braves hitter with a go-ahead pinch-hit home run in the ninth inning or later since Charlie Culberson’s walk-off two-run home run vs. Washington on June 3, 2018.”
On Saturday afternoon, before game two of the Rockies series, the Braves made another Michael Harris announcement.
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Michael Harris II Back in Lineup for Rockies Game
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 27: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after hitting a two-run homer against the Kansas City Royals during the fourth inning of the home opener at Truist Park on March 27, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
According to the ‘MLB starting lineups today page’. Michael Harris II is back in the lineup. He’s hitting fifth, but is the DH for today, which is likely by design.
Chris Sale is getting the start on Saturday afternoon in Colorado, as Atlanta looks to continue their streak of consecutive series without dropping two or more games. Atlanta is 23-10.
Mauricio Dubon is taking Harris’ spot in centerfield.
Michael Harris is on track to become a first-time MLB All-Star if he keeps up the recent success. He’s hitting .324 with seven home runs, 22 RBI, and an OPS of .926 in 31 games this season.
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The Atlanta Braves Right Now…
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 22: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates in the dugout hitting a solo home in in the third inning during the baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 22, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
A lot of people figured that the Atlanta Braves would enjoy a bounce-back season after a disappointing campaign last season, but with new manager Walt Weiss and bona fide MLB stars like Chris Sale, Drake Baldwin, and Matt Olson, the Braves are tearing up MLB right now.
You could even consider Michael Harris II, who had a below-average season in 2025, one of those star players.
It’s a long season, and anything can happen, but the Braves look poised to make a playoff push after missing out on October baseball last year.
Ensuring that the core players stay healthy is imperative, but Atlanta has also seen great contributions from other members of the team like Mauricio Dubon, Bryce Elder, and, of course, the two studs in the bullpen (Robert Suarez, Raisel Iglesias).
Even with some players like Austin Riley struggling, Atlanta continues to find a way to win on a nightly basis.
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