We always figured that Michael Harris would have the tools to make an impact for the Atlanta Braves. No one could have thought it would be this significant, this fast. With Eddie Rosario set to begin his rehab stint this week, the Braves are left with a very good problem on their hands.
Grant McAuley and Cory McCartney broke down the latest with the Braves' outfield on Sunday night and highlighted the tremendous impact that the rookie has made on the unit.
"Where does Eddie Rosario fit and who is the odd man out?" McAuley asked. "Somebody has to go to the bench."
Until proven otherwise, Harris has to be Atlanta's starter in center field. He has proven to be far too valuable with his glove, but that was expected. What has surpassed expectations is his play at the plate. Through nearly 100 at-bats, the rookie is slashing an incredible .327/.353/.531 with three home runs and a whopping .884 OPS, giving the Braves a potent threat from the bottom spot on the lineup.
Not only has he helped himself with his play, but he has also elevated his corner teammates in the outfield. Since Michael Harris was promoted in late May, Adam Duvall has made his home in left field and he has clearly been more comfortable. He's had nearly an .850 OPS since that point in the season, Cory McCartney noted. On the other side, Ronald Acuña Jr. has been able to ease back in to his defensive role due to the wide range of the rookie in center field.
The play of Harris has also allowed the Braves to hide the rather below average defense of Marcell Ozuna in the dugout every half inning. Opting to instead only feature his bat from the DH spot.
With 2021's NLCS Most Valuable Player Eddie Rosario set to return to the Braves' outfield, it's going to be difficult to spread out the at-bats between these guys. With all five options capable of giving the Braves positive production, the team is certainly in an enviable position and in a very good problem.