Braves’ Markakis feeling healthy, hits booming homer

Never mind that it was a Grapefruit League exhibition game early in the spring, or that Pirates pitcher Steven Brault is likely to begin the season in the minor leagues.

The sight of the ball flying hard and high off of Nick Markakis’ bat, some 400 feet to right-center, was a welcome one for the Braves right fielder.

“Any homer feels good,” Markakis said, smiling. “I’m just up there trying to see balls. Timing is a big issue in spring. It’s coming a little quicker than it usually does. It’s a good thing. It’s all positive. I’m looking forward to the rest of the spring and the start of the season.”

Markakis hit a career-low three home runs in 2015, his first with the Braves after signing a four-year, $44 million contract. Markakis averaged 15.7 home runs per year in nine seasons with the Orioles. He attributed his loss of power to missing most of his off-season condition program following neck surgery in December 2014.

“It was kind of ‘show-and-go’ in spring and strap it on,” Markakis said. “It was a tough season for me, physically and mentally. It was probably one of my tougher off seasons last year as far as feeling-wise. I’m just happy to be healthy, happy to be out here, happy spring is going.”

Markakis led off the fourth inning with the home run against lefty Brault. Markakis, who bats lefty, didn’t hit any home runs in 203 plate appearances against left-handers in 2015.