When Nick Markakis takes his place in right field for the Braves, they expect him to be a good replacement for departed slugger Jason Heyward .
Markakis’ debut may have to wait until after opening day, though.
Markakis reported for Braves camp Wednesday and said he doesn’t plan to be in the lineup when spring training games begin next week and isn’t sure if he’ll be ready for opening day. Markakais had fusion surgery Dec. 17 for a herniated disk in his neck, and said he was cleared Tuesday to increase his physical activity.
“Opening day is a goal,” Markakis said. “Neck surgery is pretty serious, so you don’t want to rush it. I will have six weeks to do my thing and try to get ready for opening day.”
The Braves signed Markakis to a four-year, $44 million free-agent contract Dec. 3. Markakis played all nine of his previous big-league seasons with the Orioles after they selected the Woodstock High and Young Harris College product in the first round of the 2003 draft.
Markakis said he told the Braves before signing that he planned to have the surgery. He said he’s not sure how many exhibition games he’d like to play to be ready for opening day because the timetable depends on his progress.
“I’m not going to try to rush it,” he said. “I’ve got six weeks. I’ve had some injuries in the past, and it didn’t take me long to pick it back up and get back into the swing of things. I am going to start at the bottom right now and work my way up.”
Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said a team physician cleared Markakis to participate with “no limitations,” and Gonzalez is optimistic Markakis will be ready for the first regular-season game April 6.
“Talking to him, he feels like he can do whatever we ask him to,” Gonzalez said.
The hope for the Braves is Markakis will fill the offensive and defensive voids left by the departure of Heyward.
Markakis has been the better hitter and more durable player than Heyward over his career. Heyward is among the best defensive outfielders in the majors, but Markakis won his second Gold Glove in 2014.
Still, Markakis is six years older than Heyward and had a drop in production over his past two seasons. In 2013 and 2014 Markakis hit .274 with a .707 on-base plus slugging percentage and is hitting .290 with a .793 OPS for his career.
Markakis also makes the switch to a new club, and the National League, for the first time in his career.
“It’s different,” he said. “It is what it is. I’m happy to be here, and I’m looking forward to working with all of the guys here.”
There’s one familiar face for Markakis in Braves camp: Infielder Kelly Johnson played 19 games with Markakis for the Orioles in 2014.
“Tough at-bat, puts the ball in play, catches every ball, great right fielder, makes smart throws,” Johnson said of Markakis. “He’s just a solid All-Star (caliber) player. He works out every day, does the same routine. Extremely consistent. Cares about getting better and playing the game right.”
Markakis plans to ease into his routine at camp. He said his initial focus is to get in shape.
So when the Braves have their first full-squad workout Thursday, Markakis won’t be going full-speed.
“It’s real tough,” Markakis said. “When you get injured and you are out for a while you are sitting there watching and you want to be involved. You’ve got to take it slow and try not to rush it. The biggest thing about the season is staying healthy so you can be out there. That’s my mindset.”
