ATLANTA — Atlanta Braves player Nick Markakis says he will not play in the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Channel 2 Action News Sports Director Zach Klein broke the news about the outfielder on social media.
Braves Nick Markakis has decided to opt out of 2020 season
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) July 6, 2020
Markakis isn’t the only Braves player opting out.
Braves manager Brian Snitker said Sunday that Former Cy Young winner Félix Hernández, 34, opted out due to the coronavirus pandemic. The decision was made after Hernández participated in workouts on Friday and Saturday at Truist Park.
Markakis’ and Hernández’s decisions comes just days after several other Braves players tested positive for COVID-19: Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, Touki Toussiant and Pete Kozma.
Snitker said the team did all their intake testing Friday and they will conduct follow-up testing.
When asked if he was worried about managing in 2020, Snitker says he was.
“When you are home with your grandkids, when you have positive tests you realize the virus is real,” Snitker told Klein.
Braves Brian Snitker on if he's worried about managing in 2020.
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) July 6, 2020
Yeah... going on the road..
When you are home with your grandkids, when you have positive tests you realize the virus is real. This is where I need to be and I'm confident we are doing the right things. (to be safe)
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