The Braves announced Saturday that outfielder Michael Harris II was placed on the 10-day injured list. The team also announced that outfielder Ramón Laureano was added to the major-league roster and replaced Harris on the 26-man active roster.
Harris suffered a strained left hamstring while running the bases in Friday’s game against Tampa Bay, leaving in the first inning. He underwent an MRI on Saturday afternoon that revealed it’s a grade-2 strain. The Braves don’t know when he could return, but it will be a lengthy absence.
“I don’t know that you can put a timetable on it,” Snitker said. “You hope (for the best-case scenario), but if this is quick, it’d be the first one in my 48 years.”
To make room on the 40-man roster for Laureano, the Braves transferred injured pitcher Spencer Strider to the 60-day injured list.
The Braves signed Laureano to a minor-league contract May 29, after he was released by the Guardians, and assigned him to Triple-A Gwinnett. In 14 games for the Stripers, Laureano was hitting .362 with three home runs, 12 RBIs, three doubles and a triple. He was 3-for-4 on Friday before he was removed early following Harris’ injury. Laureano started in right field Saturday against Tampa Bay.
“I’m excited,” Laureano said. “I’m ready to play some ball and win some games.”
Laureano saw the Braves as a perfect opportunity after Ronald Acuña Jr.’s unfortunate ACL tear that ended his season. Laureano also said he wanted to join an “old school team” that uses analytics but doesn’t strictly adhere to the numbers.
“That’s how (the Braves) go about their business,” Laureano said. “They use analytics in the right aspects. It’s a perfect mix.”
Snitker on Laureano: “He’s been playing really well. There are a lot of really good reports on him in Triple-A since we acquired him. I’ve seen him (play) really good (in the past). Hopefully he can come in here and give us a shot in the arm and do some things. It’s a great opportunity for him.”
The Braves started Jarred Kelenic in center Saturday and seem likely to continue doing so.
“(Kelenic is) just a good outfielder,” Snitker said. “He can run. His arm is good. Michael is special in center field. It’s going to be tough when you lose guys like that. It’s hard to replace them. But I think Jarred will do a fine job.”
The Braves also hit Kelenic in leadoff Saturday with Harris out. Since Acuña’s injury, the Braves have used Harris and second baseman Ozzie Albies in the leadoff spot. Kelenic has played well lately and given the team’s state, it makes sense to look at him atop the order. Albies was hitting second.
“We just have to mix and match and see if we find something that works because it’s going to be a while (until Harris returns),” Snitker said.
