Harris (lower back discomfort) likely won't require IL stint

ATLANTA -- The fact that Michael Harris II is dealing with lower back discomfort for the second time this month is certainly a concern. But the Braves don’t feel he will need to be placed on the 10-day injured list.

“[Putting Harris on the IL] is probably not out of the question, but I think there’s a pretty good chance we don’t have to go that route,” manager Walt Weiss said. “You just never know with these things. But as we sit here right now, I don’t think it’s an IL [injury].”

Harris wasn’t in the lineup for the series opener against the Brewers on Friday night at Truist Park. The Braves' center fielder hasn’t played since lower back tightness forced him to exit during the first inning of Tuesday night’s suspended game against the Giants.

Harris also felt lower back discomfort near the end of a June 5 game against the Pirates. He was left out of the lineup the next two days, but delivered a game-winning pinch-hit double on June 7.

When the first All-Star ballot update was announced earlier this week, Harris ranked fourth among NL outfielders. The 2022 NL Rookie of the Year is bidding for his first All-Star selection.

Harris has hit .325 with 12 homers and a .911 OPS over his last 54 games.