Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis has pulled out of the 2020 season.
The 36-year-old stated he was uneasy about playing the season without fans and after that was swayed by his telephone conversation with colleague Freddie Freeman, who has tested positive for COVID-19 and has fever and other signs.
” Just hearing him, the method he sounded on the phone, it was difficult,” Markakis said Monday. “It was sort of eye-opening. With everything thats going on, not just with baseball but all over the world, it makes you open your eyes.”.
1 RelatedMarkakis ended up being the second Braves player to choose out. Over the weekend, pitcher Felix Hernandez said he wouldnt play this year.
Dodgers pitcher David Price, Washington infielder Ryan Zimmerman and Colorado outfielder Ian Desmond are among the other gamers who have actually chosen out.
After 9 seasons with Baltimore, Markakis was entering his sixth season with Atlanta. He was completing for a spot in a congested Braves outfield after the offseason signing of Marcel Ozuna.
Manager Brian Snitker prepares to play Ozuna and Ronald Acuna Jr. every video game, though Ozuna could be the designated hitter. Markakis, Ender Inciarte, Adam Duvall and others were competing for other areas and were signed up with by rookies Cristian Pache and Drew Waters.
Markakis struck.285 with 9 homers and 62 RBIs in 2019, a year after he was an All-Star. He stated he does not know how pulling out might impact his wish for playing in 2021.
The Associated Press added to this report.
