Braves cut ties with former Phillies, Dodgers outfielder amid Michael Harris II decision

TL;DR

The Atlanta Braves are reinstating center fielder Michael Harris II from the paternity list and have designated outfielder Luke Williams for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster. Williams, who joined the Braves in 2023, has had limited appearances and production with the team.

Braves cut ties with former Phillies, Dodgers outfielder amid Michael Harris II decision originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves plan to reinstate center fielder Michael Harris II from the paternity list on Monday.

Harris was away from the NL East club for just a few days for the birth of his child.

In a corresponding move, the Braves needed to make space on the 40-man roster. They've designated outfielder/third baseman Luke Williams for assignment. Williams joined Atlanta in 2023 and made just two appearances this season, drawing a walk in his one trip to the plate.

"This is now four straight seasons in which Williams, 29, has suited up for Atlanta. He’s a clear favorite of the organization, even if his production in the majors hasn’t amounted to much," Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors wrote Monday.

Given Williams' luck with previous stints on the waiver wire, the Braves are hoping he goes unclaimed, and they can stash him at Triple-A. He's a versatile defender who's made at least one appearance at each of the four infield and three outfield positions.

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Since making his Major League debut with the Phillies in 2021, Williams has played for five different clubs, including a 10-game stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023.

He carries a career slash line of .212/.272/.280 with just two home runs, but does provide speed on the bench. Williams is 25-for-31 in stolen base attempts.