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.
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.
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.
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.