Braves call up top prospect, outfielder M. Harris

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves, seeking to improve their outfield protection, referred to as up high prospect Michael Harris from Double-A Mississippi on Saturday.

Harris, 21, is beginning in heart discipline and hitting ninth in opposition to the Miami Marlins.

The addition of Harris permits the Braves to maneuver Adam Duvall from heart discipline to one of many nook spots within the outfield.

When requested how Harris may help the Braves, supervisor Brian Snitker mentioned, “Nicely, simply the defensive a part of it.”

“We would not have introduced him up if we did not assume he might assist us come up and win video games,” Snitker mentioned. “I imply, we’re attempting to win video games.”

Harris performed at Class-A Rome in 2021 and has by no means performed on the Triple-A stage. Snitker often is reluctant to hurry a participant to the majors however mentioned he believes Harris is “a man who checks all of the packing containers.”

“Simply he is a really spectacular child and I take pleasure in watching him and being round him and attending to know him,” Snitker mentioned. “He is a high quality child.”

Snitker envisions an outfield with Ronald Acuña Jr. in proper discipline, Harris in heart discipline and Duvall in left discipline. That will permit Marcell Ozuna, who’s beginning in left discipline on Saturday, to function the first designated hitter.

Acuña, making a comeback from knee surgical procedure, is the designated hitter and hitting leadoff on Saturday. Acuña missed three consecutive begins with a strained proper quadriceps earlier than coming off the bench for a pinch-hit double in Atlanta’s 6-4 win over Miami on Friday night time.

“It is going to be enjoyable,” mentioned Harris of the prospect to play beside Acuña. “I am actually excited to see how that goes. I am actually excited to be right here and have enjoyable with the fellows.”

Travis Demeritte, who snapped an 0-for-34 hunch with a run-scoring single on Friday night time, was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett. Demeritte was hitting .213 with three homers.

Harris (6-0, 195) is from Stockbridge Excessive Faculty in metro Atlanta. Former Braves outfielder Jason Heyward is also from Henry County. Harris says he was usually was in contrast with Heyward, now with the Chicago Cubs, as he developed as a prospect.

“As I grew folks had been evaluating me to him and saying I reminded them of him,” Harris mentioned. “It actually opened my eyes and gave me plenty of confidence.”

Harris was hitting .305 with 5 homers, 33 RBIs and 11 stolen bases at Mississippi. He mentioned he was informed of his promotion after Friday night time’s recreation in Pensacola, Florida, resulting in an evening with little sleep and a flight to Atlanta.

Harris added it was a surreal feeling to stroll into the Braves clubhouse and see his title on a jersey at his locker.

“Nothing can actually match the second really being right here,” he mentioned. “You’ll be able to at all times dream about it. However really being right here, I do not assume something tops it in any respect.”