The Atlanta Braves are playing like the best team in Major League Baseball. They have a record of 18-8, and are already creating major separation in the National League East.
Now, the Braves will take on the Philadelphia Phillies (who have lost nine straight games) in a weekend series at Truist Park. Atlanta just defeated the Nationals three times in a four-game set this week, and on Thursday, a scary moment transpired in the Braves’ win when Michael Harris II had to be removed from the game.
However, Harris II provided the media with a positive update after the game on Thursday.
Update: Michael Harris II has been scratched from Braves’ lineup on Friday with quad tightness.
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Michael Harris II Doesn’t Expect to Miss Time with Quad injury
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 22: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates hitting a solo home in in the third inning with Mauricio Dubón #14 during the baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 22, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Mark Bowman wrote (via MLB.com) after the Braves’ win on Thursday what Michael Harris II told reporters:
“What’s Friday, tomorrow?” Harris said. “That’s the plan. I’m going to go home, make sure I do everything right and then come in and see how I’m feeling.”
It’s hard to take a player’s word in a situation like this. Harris II will likely be evaluated when he comes to the ballpark on Friday afternoon for the Braves contest against the Phillies, and he/the Braves trainers will decide from there.
It’s very plausible that manager Walt Weiss and the trainers may want to get him off his feet for a couple of days, but at the same time, Harris II is a player who’s usually on the field when possible. He’s not a guy who’s going to take unnecessary days off.
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Michael Harris II with the Braves This Season
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 27: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves reacts with Jonah Heim #20 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)
Michael Harris II is a big reason why the Braves have been uber successful in the month of April.
Bowman also described how well Harris II has been hitting in his last dozen or so games:
“Harris entered April 10 hitting .213 with a .543 OPS. The 2022 National League Rookie of the Year has hit .447 with five home runs and a 1.383 OPS over the 11 games that have followed. He’s now hitting .318 with a .921 OPS.”
Harris II is one of the hottest hitters in the sport, and the Braves sure hope this quad injury doesn’t affect that, but all parties seem optimistic at this point.
However, it will still be a development to follow across Braves Country.
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