The game on Monday marked the 10th in a row that Braves right fielder Nick Markakis hit lead off and manager Fredi Gonzalez says he’s pleased with the results so far.
“He gets on base and he puts the ball in play,” Gonzalez said. “I like it and, really, from all of the options that we have he’s the one that makes the most sense.”
Markakis entered Monday hitting .292 with a .394 on-base percentage with 15 strikeouts in 104 plate appearances. Among Braves regulars, only red-hot catcher A.J. Pierzynski was hitting better (.377) and getting on base more often (.400 OBP).
In nine games as the Braves’ No. 1 hitter entering Monday Markakis was hitting .200 with a .317 on-base percentage and eight strikeouts in 41 plate appearances.
Markakis primarily hit third during nine seasons with the Orioles and that was in his spot in the order for his first 14 games with the Braves. He hit lead off in 148 games for Baltimore in 2014 and batted .274 with a .339 on-base percentage and 82 strikeouts in 681 plate appearances.
Judging by his career numbers, Markakis should be able to maintain his hitting (.290 career) with a slightly lower on-base percentage (.358) and about the same strikeout percentage (13).
Braves outfielders Eric Young Jr. and Cameron Maybin shared the lead-off spot for 15 of the first 16 games.
