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

Outfielder Nick Markakis will be a huge key to the Atlanta Braves' success at the plate in 2015, but the 31-year-old veteran is still working his way back after offseason neck surgery. He is expected to play in a Minor League game Thursday.

Continue for updates.  

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Markakis to Play in Minor League Game Thursday

Wednesday, March 25

"Nick Markakis expected to play in a Minor League game Thurs. Could get 5-7 ABs," reported Braves Radio Network's Kevin McAlpin.

David O'Brien of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution first revealed on March 22 that Markakis was "expected to make his spring debut Monday as a DH against Astros. Took 3rd straight day of BP today."

O'Brien reported on March 21 that Markakis was set to face live pitching during the week ahead:

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Markakis is recovering from December neck surgery for a herniated disk and still aiming to be ready for the April 6 opener at Miami.

“That’s a good sign,” that he took batting practice again Saturday, Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “I can’t wait for tomorrow, see what tomorrow brings, as far as what do we want to do when we get there.”

He looked forward to talking to Markakis about how he felt during coach-pitch batting practice the past two days and get his thoughts on the next step toward returning — facing live pitching.

“He’s cleared now, I think to do whatever,” Gonzalez said. “Now we’ve got to ramp him up the right way to get him in games. I don’t know when. He might come in tomorrow and say, ‘Can I get a couple of at-bats? Can I go get a couple of at-bats in a minor league game?’ I don’t know. We’ll know more (Sunday) morning.”

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On March 18, Mark Bowman and Paul Casella of MLB.com reported that Markakis continues to move toward being ready for Opening Day:

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Markakis getting closer to return: Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said the team's medical staff might soon give Nick Markakis a final clearance to participate in all baseball activities. Markakis, who underwent neck surgery in December, has spent the past couple of weeks conditioning and re-strengthening his body while being limited to throwing and some hitting exercises. The veteran outfielder believes he has time to compile enough plate appearances in Grapefruit League and Minor League games to be ready for Opening Day. 

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Markakis May Miss Opening Day

Friday, March 13

Michael Cunningham of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that while the Braves hope Markakis is going to play on Opening Day, there's a chance the outfielder could be out:

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Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said the team still is hopeful that new right fielder Nick Markakis will be in the opening day lineup but it’s “not set in stone” he’ll be ready.

[...]

“The neck is fine,” Gonzalez said. “He hasn’t done anything because they wanted that neck to heal. We’ve got to get his legs in shape. He’s playing catch. He’s progressing every day. Don’t know date when he will be able to take swings. You’d hate to have this guy get his neck ready and run him out there and all of a sudden he hurts himself.”  

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Markakis Cleared for Baseball Activities

Wednesday, Feb. 25

With the 2015 season quickly approaching, the Braves received some good news, as Markakis was cleared to resume baseball activities, according to Kevin McAlpin of 680 The Fan:

Knox Bardeen of FoxSports.com continued:

He also isn't willing to press the issue in order to ensure that he is part of the Opening Day lineup, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman:

Major League Baseball's 162-game season is an extremely long one, so Markakis is likely taking the right approach by preserving himself and taking it slow.

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