Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves

Nick Markakis opts out of 2020 season

Credit: AJC

Braves outfielder Nick Markakis explains his decision to not play during the 2020 season amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Courtesy Atlanta Braves)
By
July 6, 2020

Braves outfielder Nick Markakis has opted out of the 2020 season because of the coronavirus pandemic, manager Brian Snitker announced Monday.

“We’ll miss him. He’s the backbone of our club,” Snitker said.

» LIST: Players, coaches opt out of MLB season

Snitker said Markakis informed him of his decision Sunday.

The Braves had four players, including Freddie Freeman, test positive for COVID-19. Markakis said a conversation with Freeman "opened his eyes."

Previously, starting pitcher Felix Hernandez and first base coach Eric Young Sr., 53, elected to miss the 2020 season out concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

About the Author

Gabriel Burns is a general assignment reporter and features writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. After four years on the Braves beat, he's expanded his horizons and covers all sports. You'll find him writing about MLB, NFL, NBA, college football and other Atlanta-centric happenings.

Follow Gabriel Burns on facebookFollow Gabriel Burns on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

San Francisco Giants center fielder Mike Yastrzemski catches a fly out by Atlanta Braves' Vaughn Grissom during the fifth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Yastrzemski has now joined the Braves. (Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP 2022)

Credit: AP

Mike Yastrzemski has ‘long-term memories of rooting for the Braves’

“The No. 1 thing is the history of the organization and trying to win,” Yastrzemski said when asked what separated the Braves from his other suitors.

2h ago

Braves add to their bullpen in signing All-Star Robert Suarez

The Atlanta Braves signed reliever Robert Suarez to a three-year, $45 million contract Thursday. Suarez is the team’s second significant signing in as many days.

Walt Weiss talks Braves’ new-look coaching staff

The Latest

San Francisco Giants center fielder Mike Yastrzemski catches a fly out by Atlanta Braves' Vaughn Grissom during the fifth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Yastrzemski has now joined the Braves. (Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP 2022)

Credit: AP

Mike Yastrzemski has ‘long-term memories of rooting for the Braves’

2h ago

Braves add to their bullpen in signing All-Star Robert Suarez

Walt Weiss talks Braves’ new-look coaching staff

Featured

A MARTA operator is seen inside the control room of one of the new MARTA trains during the unveiling of these trains on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

MARTA chief says new train cars give smooth, quiet ride

Interim CEO Jonathan Hunt told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s editorial board he is focused on project delivery, which he said is key to winning back public trust.

God’s Acre: Former Native American boarding school reveals complex history

A Native American boarding school established by Moravian missionaries in North Georgia in the early 19th century reveals a complicated and compelling history.

Why Midtown’s holiday lights display is a little less vibrant this year

Midtown Bright, the annual winter lights display, was cut back this year.