Braves Continue to Make Embarrassing Mistake of Starting MLB's Worst Hitter

Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II (23) celebrates with teammates after driving in a run against the St. Louis Cardinals in the eighth inning at Truist Park.
Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II (23) celebrates with teammates after driving in a run against the St. Louis Cardinals in the eighth inning at Truist Park. | Brett Davis-Imagn Images


Calling Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris the worst hitter in the league for the last weeks of the season isn't hyperbolic but an unfortunate reality.

Among qualifiers, there simply isn't a worse at-bat in recent weeks than Harris'. Things have grown so dark that manager Brian Snitker can no longer justify keeping his bat in the lineup for the incredible defense in center.

It is beyond clear that a demotion must happen, with either Eli White or Stuart Fairchild taking over starting reps. This isn't ideal, however, it is already a lost season, and the Braves must find out what is happening with a player believed to be a cornerstone.

Harris hasn't gotten a hit in his last eleven trips to the plate and watched his average dip down to .208 on the season. This doesn't drive home just how awful the quality of at-bats has been for the last weeks of the season. Even Snitker's decision to bench Harris for a couple of games hasn't helped breathe life back into the outfielder's bat.

All of this adds up to an obvious decision the team should've made a long while ago.

Braves Continue to Willfully Start Michael Harris Despite Poor Performance


It has been clear for weeks that something is wrong with the outfielder, with the team needing to demote the struggling hitter. Watching Harris attempt to hit is as painful as any at-bat in recent memory.

Things aren't getting better, and Atlanta needs to make a change. Harris needs time in Triple-A Gwinnett to attempt to fix his swing and figure out just what has gone wrong.


Three seasons of sample size that say everything about this implosion are an outlier. It isn't time to believe Harris doesn't have a future with the club, but rather time to make a move and give him a chance to reset and figure out what has gone wrong. With options remaining, the Braves don't need to pass the former 2019 third-round pick through waivers or make any drastic changes.


Harris would be forced to accept the demotion and work on his swing in the next weeks of the season. Considering how Atlanta's rehabbing hitters have fared when returning, it is fair to wonder if the Gwinnett hitting coach might be able to provide a fresh perspective for Harris.

Regardless, it is time to make the move and give the Braves' lineup a better chance each night, and hopefully allow Harris to find out what has gone wrong.

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