#Braves’ Nick Markakis opts out of MLB season after Freddie Freeman phone call

“#Braves’ Nick Markakis opts out of MLB season after Freddie Freeman phone call”

July 6, 2020 | 2:27pm | Updated July 6, 2020 | 2:40pm

Nick Markakis was eager to play in 2020, even after the season shrank to 60 games in part due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Then teammate Freddie Freeman tested positive for the virus. After a conversation with the star first baseman, who is battling symptoms of COVID-19, Markakis opted against playing.

“Just hearing the way he sounded on the phone kind of opened my eyes,” he told reporters on Monday. “Freddie didn’t sound good.”

Markakis is the ninth major leaguer to opt out, joining a list that includes Ryan Zimmerman, David Price and Ian Desmond. Beyond Freeman, fellow Braves Will Smith, Pete Kozma and Touki Toussaint have tested positive for virus.

The idea of not having fans in the stands didn’t help matters for Markakis, either.

“We play for the fans, and to take them out of the equation, that’s tough and I think that was kind of like the blow for me,” the 36-year-old outfielder, who has spent the last five years of his career with the Braves, said. “I love the game. I hate to see it the way it’s going right now, but that’s the way things have to be. … I think the decision that I’m making to sit out this year and be with my family makes it tough, but I think that’s the right decision for myself and my family.”

nick markakis braves opt out freddie freeman coronavirus — Nick MarkakisAtlanta Journal-Constitution via AP

Braves manager Brian Snitker has said it will be “a while” before Freeman can take part in spring training 2.0, granted he even decides to take part in the abbreviated season. The 30-year-old Freeman been dealing with a high fever, headaches, body aches and chills.

“He is someone who literally never gets sick and this virus hit him like a ton of bricks,” his wife Chelsea wrote on Instagram. “We’ve been really strict for the last 4 months. Haven’t gone to a grocery store, haven’t gone out to dinner once, haven’t seen our friends … and still got it.”

Markakis, 36, will forfeit just under $1.5 million of what would have been his full prorated pay for the season. He has made around $120 million in 14 seasons in the majors.

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