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

Braves starting pitcher Grant Holmes, once a heralded prospect who was stuck in the minors for a decade, debuted in 2024 and had immediate success. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Braves update Grant Holmes’ health status: He’s having a ‘normal offseason’

Braves pitcher Grant Holmes has been rehabbing a partially torn UCL and seems to have avoided surgery. His potential early season availability would be a major boost.

It seems like Cooperstown’s doors may never open for Dale Murphy

This was the fourth time Murphy’s case was in front of a veterans committee after 15 unsuccessful years on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America ballot.

Braves can’t ‘count on’ Joe Jimenez entering 2026

‘We can’t make plans around him at this point,’ Anthopoulos says.

The Latest

Braves starting pitcher Grant Holmes, once a heralded prospect who was stuck in the minors for a decade, debuted in 2024 and had immediate success. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Braves update Grant Holmes’ health status: He’s having a ‘normal offseason’

It seems like Cooperstown’s doors may never open for Dale Murphy

Braves can’t ‘count on’ Joe Jimenez entering 2026

Featured

Jo'wan Bellamy taught in the GNETS program for 17 years and recently transferred to Atlanta’s new behavioral program at Crawford Long Middle School. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Georgia districts forge their own way as troubled program faces a crossroads

School districts are dropping out of GNETS to serve students with emotional and behavioral disabilities.

Ex-Truett McConnell VP indicted in case tied to sex abuse probe

A White County grand jury has indicted a former Truett McConnell University vice president, accusing him of lying to a county sheriff investigator.

Dickens asks top donors for $250K to help fund inauguration events

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is soliciting up to $250,000 from top donors to sponsor three days of events celebrating his second-term inauguration.