5 things to know about the Braves on Thursday

Braves' Matt Kemp rounds the bases after hitting a first inning two-run home run against the Texas Rangers at SunTrust Park Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017, in Atlanta.

Credit: Scott Cunningham

Credit: Scott Cunningham

Braves' Matt Kemp rounds the bases after hitting a first inning two-run home run against the Texas Rangers at SunTrust Park Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017, in Atlanta.

The Braves weren't able to get much going in their 7-1 loss to the Mets on Wednesday night. It was their eighth loss in the past 10 meetings against the Mets.

Here’s the latest as the Braves fly to Miami for their final series of the 2017 season:

1. Right fielder Nick Markakis was excused from the team Wednesday because of a personal matter. He headed back to his Baltimore area home, and Braves manager Brian Snitker is hopeful he'll be back for the Miami series.

2. Speaking of Markakis, there's a case he's been underappreciated throughout his Braves tenure.

3. R.A. Dickey could start the season finale in Miami on Sunday – that'll be his call. If he doesn't, rookie Max Fried will get the nod.

4. It finally happened: A.J. Minter actually walked somebody.

5. The Braves would love to trade outfielder Matt Kemp, but that's going to be a challenge, writes Mark Bradley.