Braves reveal Nick Markakis might’ve been exposed to COVID-19
By John Buhler
Nick Markakis may have been exposed to the coronavirus
The Atlanta Braves have put Nick Markakis on the IL after possible COVID-19 exposure.
Shortly before their game on Tuesday night vs. the Washington Nationals, rumors were swirling that Braves’ top outfield prospect Cristian Pache was being promoted. While Atlanta has one of the best outfields in all of baseball, it was peculiar why Pache was being called up to the big league club for the first time in his career. We waited for the other shoe to drop and now we know why.
Per the Braves’ official Twitter account, “OF Nick Markakis has been potentially exposed to COVID-19. He has tested negative for the virus, but out of an abundance of caution, Markakis has been placed on the injured list. In a corresponding move, OF Cristian Pache has been recalled to Atlanta. He will wear No. 14 and be available tonight.”
OF Nick Markakis has been potentially exposed to COVID-19. He has tested negative for the virus, but out of an abundance of caution, Markakis has been placed on the injured list.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 18, 2020
What can we make of Nick Markakis’ COVID scare, Cristian Pache’s call-up?
There are a lot of emotions going on right now in the heart of Braves Country. Markakis famously opted out of the 2020 MLB season due to what first baseman Freddie Freeman told him about his battle with the coronavirus. Less than a week into the start of the season, Markakis opted back in and gave the Braves a ton of clutch hitting, as well as his patented great defense in right field.
In 11 games this season, Markakis is slashing .353/.421/.618 with 12 hits, six doubles, six runs batted in and a walk-off home run. For a batting order that has had its issues being consistent, Markakis’ return to the Atlanta lineup was an incredible pickup for the team and manager Brian Snitker. Now, he will hopefully spend just a few days on the IL on a side of caution.
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As for Pache, he has been ready to be called up for a while now. However, he does play in the outfield, a position group where Atlanta can trot out any number of starters and do just fine. While it stinks to see Markakis on the IL for precautionary reasons, it is totally understandable in the age of the coronavirus. For now, we get to see Pache in the MLB. What if he stars right away?
The Braves could have a tough decision to make if that’s the case.