What happened to Michael Harris II? Latest injury updates as Atlanta Braves outfielder exits game midway

Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Haris II exited the game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday after struggling with lower back tightness.

The incident might have occurred when the Braves prospect stole second base in the second inning, according to MLB reporter Mark Bowman. Harris was visibly struggling after the steal, and was eventually replaced by Sam Hillard in CF on top of the fourth inning.

"Michael Harris II exited with low back tightness. Not sure when it happened. But he slid awkwardly while stealing second base in the second. He played the field in the third and then was replaced by Sam Hilliard in center."

The Atlanta Braves Twitter page shared an update on the player's condition, terming the mid-game exit a precaution, much to the relief of Braves fans.

Michael Harris II was NL Rookie of the Year 2022

Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves reacts to being tagged out by LaMonte Wade Jr. of the San Francisco Giants after rounding first base on a single in the top of the seventh inning at Oracle Park on September 12, 2022 in San Francisco, California.

Michael Harris II was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 2019 before finally making hisMLB debut against the Miami Marlins in May 2022. He posted .297/.339/.514 in his debut season and was adjudged the National League Rookie of the Year.

He was rewarded with an eight-year contract worth $72 million in August, with the deal set to rise if certain team options are triggered.