Nick Markakis opts out of 2020 season

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.

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