After another gem of a performance in the first game of the Braves' series with the division-rival Washington Nationals, what more can you say about the rookie? No, not the rookie that just delivered an absolute gem of a performance against the Cardinals (Spencer Strider was a beast, picking up his third 11+ strikeout game), that was yesterday's rookie.
This time, it's Michael Harris II blasting off into space, yet again.
Harris delivered another career performance as the Braves took down the Nationals by a final score of 12-2. He went 4-4 on the night, with three runs scored, and four runs batted in. This includes an absolute mammoth of a home run in the bottom of the eighth for his seventh home run of the season.
He went from throwing pitches at Stockbridge High School just three years ago to balling out in the Majors as the league's youngest player, but Harris hasn't let his age define him.
After only six weeks of playing baseball above the High-A level, the Braves took a chance on their top prospect. Harris provided an immediate return on investment, as he took the league by storm. He hit went a blistering .347 with a .946 OPS through 27 games in June. He hit two doubles, two triples, and four home runs, all while driving in 16 runs.
That performance was good enough to garner MLB honors as June's Rookie of the Month, but most importantly the Braves have an MLB-best 28 wins since he was called up.
Not even the Braves' manager saw that coming, "I had no expectations whatsoever," Snit told the media earlier this month. "But I knew he was a great talent."
That talent is proving that his debut month was no fluke. Entering tonight's game, Harris ranked second in OPS, second in slugging percentage, and third in batting average - all numbers he improved upon tonight.
The impact that he brings has far-reaching effects on the Braves lineup, just look at these incredible stats since he was called up on May 28th.
Including his stellar defense (something he flashed again tonight robbing yet another extra-base hit from the Nationals), Michael Harris II has got it all. The Braves continuing to notch win after win is evidence enough.
"I don't think it's a mistake that when he showed up we started doing better," Snit told the media tonight. "I didn't know what to expect offensively, and just wow."
He was not called upon to be the team's savior on Memorial Day weekend, but the Braves have been a noticeably different club since his addition. In that time, they have trimmed the NL East deficit down to a mere two and a half games behind the Mets. (it was 10.5 on June 1st).
Just call it the Michael Harris effect.
