NEW YORK – Braves right fielder Nick Markakis left the team early Wednesday for a family emergency at his home outside Baltimore.
Markakis called to let manager Fredi Gonzalez know the situation and was excused for the series finale Wednesday afternoon against the Mets. He told Gonzalez he expects to be back for Friday’s home game against the Diamondbacks, after the Braves’ day off Thursday.
Markakis has hit .281 with 11 doubles, 20 RBIs and a .391 on-base percentage, including a .395 OBP in 16 games since moving to the leadoff spot. He was tied for the National League doubles lead and tied for the majors lead in go-ahead RBIs (eight) before Wednesday.
With Markakis out of the lineup for only the second time this season, Chase d’Arnaud got his first start in right field Wednesday and surging center fielder Mallex Smith batted leadoff for the fifth time.
