The Atlanta Braves are hitting their stride at the right time. A shaky start to the season saw them fall 9.5 games behind the Mets in the standings and many thought the defending champs would be out for the count.
That was until two changes were made. Calling up rookie outfielder, Michael Harris II and inserting rookie pitcher Spencer Strider into the starting line-up. Both of whom have emerged as two of the best players on this roster.
Let's start with Harris. Quickly, he has made his case to be a Golden Glove recipient this year. Anytime you watch the Braves this season its been almost guaranteed that Harris is in the outfield making a phenomenal defensive play.
His production doesn't stop in the outfield. His bat has been a warm welcome on a team that prior to June was having trouble scoring runs. In 41 games he has 7 homeruns, 24 RBIs, a .300 BA, and a OBP of .331. For reference, Adam Duvall has just three more homeruns and eight more RBIs than Harris despite playing in nearly twice as many games this year.
When asked about Michael Harris, Braves Coach, Brian Snitker said, "I don't think its a mistake that when he showed up we started doing better."
Then there is the man with the mustache, Spencer Strider. Strider started turning heads early in the season when pitching in relief situations and quickly showed that he belongs in the starting rotation.
Currently Spencer Strider is tied for ninth in the NL with 102 strikeouts. The impressive part is that everyone above him on that list has at least twice as many starts as Strider does with eight.
His fastball has continued to baffle opponents, and he is holding opposing batters to a .168 BA. Strider has established himself as the best pitcher in the Braves' bullpen and there is still room for improvement on his end.
As far as who is having the better season?
The Braves have no problem campaigning for their players to win accolades, but deciding who to root for between Harris and Strider for NL Rookie of the Year is one problem many teams would love to have.
