The Braves have already used Ender Inciarte and Ozzie Albies in the leadoff spot. On Thursday they opted for another option.
Outfielder Nick Markakis was positioned for leadoff in the series finale against Cincinnati. It’s his first game at leadoff since May 16, 2016.
Albies was given a day off against righty Luis Castillo, who’s performed among the National League’s best starters through one month. Inciarte was slated eighth in the order.
The 35-year-old Markakis has had previous success in the lead-off spot, hitting .291 with a .358 on-base percentage in 323 games.
On the season, Markakis is hitting .329 with two homers and 17 RBIs across 23 games. He’s hit in the fifth spot after manning cleanup through his 2018 All-Star season.
