ATLANTA (AP)– Nick Markakis is returning to the Atlanta Braves, three weeks after revealing he was deciding out of the season due to his issues about the coronavirus pandemic.
Markakis, the veteran outfielder who remains in his sixth season with Atlanta, said Wednesday he changed his mind about sitting out after viewing his colleagues play the very first five games.
” Sitting at home, enjoying these men compete … and all the threats theyre going through going out there, in the pit of my stomach I felt I wished to be out there,” Markakis stated.
He said he realized returning was possible following a telephone call from Braves general supervisor Alex Anthopoulos earlier today.
The 36-year-old Markakis earns $24,691 for each video game he on the roster or hurt list as part of a $4 million, one-year agreement. He states he has the complete support of his household, including his 3 children, in his choice to return.
” It was great to be house with the family, but more than anything I understand my household desired me to be out there with (the Braves),” he said.
Markakis pulled out on July 6, when he said he was uneasy about playing the season without fans and then was swayed by his telephone discussion with colleague Freddie Freeman, who tested positive for COVID-19. Freeman dealt with symptoms that included a high fever of 104.5 degrees, and Markakis acknowledged once again Wednesday that he was influenced by Freemans struggles.
Freeman returned for the start of the season.
Markakis said the call from Anthopulos “made my decision a lot easier.”
” Its been in my blood considering that I was 4 years of ages and it draws, it sucks viewing baseball when you know you can still head out there and compete daily,” he stated. “It gnaws at you a bit.”
Markakis is returning even as he states baseballs battles amidst the pandemic are “probably even worse now than it was before,” as the Miami Marlins season has been postponed by a COVID-19 break out.
He said he is counting on “the trust you put in Major League Baseball and the organization youre with” as he returns.
” Everybody in this world is taking risks on a daily basis,” he stated. “You cant run and hide from it each and every single day. My colleagues are out there every day taking risks and me sitting home viewing them on TV simply didnt agree with me.”
Markakis stated he felt guilty about his decision to remain the season and prepared to say sorry to his colleagues. “I bailed out on them and when I see them I will apologize to them and ideally belong of them,” he said.
Markakis stated he has exercised frequently but wont know when he will be all set to return to the Braves lineup up until he talks with manager Brian Snitker.
Freeman, top setup man Will Smith, right-hander Touki Toussaint and infielder Pete Kozma checked positive for the coronavirus. Toussaint likewise has returned and Smith, who worked out in Atlanta throughout the groups opening journey, could return today.
The Braves opened their season without their top two catchers, Tyler Flowers and Travis dArnaud, after the 2 felt ill. Both had unfavorable tests and rejoined the group for Wednesday nights house opener against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Wednesday, the Braves triggered outfielder Scott Schebler to the 30-man roster. Catchers Alex Jackson and William Contreras and right-hander Chad Sobotka were optioned to the groups alternate training website at Triple-A Gwinnett.
Markakis is baseballs very first player to return after pulling out.
To name a few notable gamers to opt out are Dodgers pitcher David Price, Washington infielder Ryan Zimmerman and Colorado outfielder Ian Desmond.
Markakis struck.285 with 9 homers and 62 RBIs in 2019. He was an All-Star in 2018.
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