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 players celebrate after their win over the Red Sox on Friday in Boston. “The makeup of the whole group, they never stopped fighting,” manager Brian Snitker said. (Mark Stockwell/AP)

Credit: AP

Braves have winning record for first time in 2025

After defeating the Boston Red Sox 4-2 on Friday night, the Atlanta Braves were 23-22, owning a winning record for the first time this season.

Chris Sale dazzles in return to Boston as Braves move above .500

What do you think? Do Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe belong in the Hall of Fame?

The way is now open for Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson to finally enter the Hall of Fame.

The Latest

Braves players celebrate after their win over the Red Sox on Friday in Boston. “The makeup of the whole group, they never stopped fighting,” manager Brian Snitker said. (Mark Stockwell/AP)

Credit: AP

Braves have winning record for first time in 2025

Chris Sale dazzles in return to Boston as Braves move above .500

What do you think? Do Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe belong in the Hall of Fame?

Featured

Cox Communications plans to merge with Charter Communications in a deal that, if approved by regulators, will combine two of the nation’s largest cable companies. (Courtesy of Cox Communications)

Credit: special

Cox Communications and Charter to combine in major cable deal

Cox Communications plans to merge with Charter Communications in a deal that, if approved by regulators, will combine two of the nation’s largest cable companies.

Family: Georgia woman kept on life support to comply with abortion law

The 30-year-old nurse was declared brain-dead by physicians three months ago, mother told an Atlanta television station.

Construction starts on planetarium-sized sports and entertainment venue downtown

Cosm, an immersive venue that is slated to be the anchor of Centennial Yards, will potentially be ready by the World Cup.