Nick Markakis Injury: Updates on Braves Star's Neck and Return

Nick Markakis has undergone neck surgery after signing his big-money deal with the Atlanta Braves. Markakis is slated to be ready for spring training.

Continue for updates.

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Markakis Undergoes Surgery

Wednesday, Dec. 17

The Braves provided an update on Markakis' surgery: 

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Braves Not Concerned About Markakis Surgery

Tuesday, Dec. 16

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports has an update on Markakis:

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Markakis Undergoes Neck Surgery

Monday, Dec. 15

David O'Brien of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on Nick Markakis' injured neck and recovery:

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New Braves right fielder Nick Markakis will have fusion surgery Wednesday for a herniated disk in his neck and should be ready for all or most of spring training.

The expected recovery time is about eight weeks, after which Markakis should be able to resume baseball activities barring any setbacks in his rehab. He could begin controlled workouts by mid-January.

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Markakis Dealing With Neck Injury, Could Miss Three Months

Friday, Dec. 5

The Atlanta Braves made a big splash in free agency Wednesday by signing outfielder Nick Markakis, but their new acquisition comes with some baggage in the form of an injury.

According to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com, the former Baltimore Orioles star may undergo neck surgery, which could keep him out as long as three months:

While this revelation may come as a surprise to the general public, the Braves did their due diligence before signing the two-time Gold Glove Award winner, per Rosenthal:

If Markakis does undergo surgery and miss 12 weeks, then that would put him on track to return in March, which would still give him time to prepare for the start of the regular season.

The Braves have a lot invested in the 31-year-old right fielder, as they inked him to a four-year, $44 million deal, according to David O'Brien of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Markakis is the de facto replacement for Jason Heyward after his trade to the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Braves can't afford to be without him once the season commences. If initial estimates are accurate, though, Atlanta should be in the clear.

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