Nick Markakis Changes His Mind, Re-Joins Braves for Remainder of the Season

Well that's certainly an interesting change of heart. Just a few weeks after opting out of the 2020 MLB season and five games into the year, Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis has changed his mind and plans to re-join the team for the rest of the season.

Markakis originally said he decided to forego the season after talking with teammate Freddie Freeman, who contracted the virus and was seriously ill for a period of time. But apparently Markakis's fears have been eased and he's ready to play baseball.

"I'd like to come back," Markakis said Wednesday. "Sitting at home watching these guys compete the last couple days and all the risks they're taking going out there ... I felt like I needed to be out there."

Though the Braves have a number of capable outfielders, the team could certainly use a steady presence at the plate like Markakis, who still had a 112 wRC+ against right-handed pitching in 2019. And particularly with the introduction of the designated hitter to the National League, there is definitely room for Markakis back in the Braves' clubhouse.

Atlanta reportedly signed Yasiel Puig after Markakis's original departure, but Puig later tested positive for COVID-19 and the move was never officially announced by the team.

I think if anything's become clear so far this season, it's that every team can use as many bodies as it can get, so Markakis will be a welcome addition to a Braves team sitting at 2-3 after its first five games.