Braves leadoff hitter Michael Harris II leaves game against Rays with hamstring injury

(AP) – Atlanta leadoff hitter and center fielder Michael Harris II left the Braves’ game against the Tampa Bay Rays Friday night because of left hamstring tightness.

Harris led off the first inning with a single from right-hander Zack Littell. When Ozzie Albies followed with a double down the right field line, Harris advanced to third but showed discomfort and stopped before reaching third base.

Braves manager Brian Snitker and assistant coach Jeff Stevenson visited Harris at third base and made the quick decision to remove him from the game. JP Martínez came in as a pinch runner for Harris and replacement in center field.

Martínez scored on Marcell Ozuna’s three-run homer during the Braves’ five-run inning.

The Braves did not immediately release details on the severity of Harris’ injury.

The Braves lost right fielder and reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. to a season-ending knee injury on May 26. Acuña underwent surgery in Los Angeles to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Acuña tore his right ACL on July 20, 2021 and came back strong with his 2023 MVP season.

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