Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis chose to opt out of the 2020 MLB season on July 6, but changed his mind and decided to opt back in on July 29.
Well, the Braves have to be thrilled about the decision right now, because Markakis just won them a game (and any win in a 60-game season is huge).
In Markakis’ first start since returning, he cranked a walk-off homer to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 4-3 on Thursday night at Truist Park.
Welcome back, Nick!#ForTheA pic.twitter.com/cJlwVZzbQV
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 7, 2020
That’s an incredible immediate impact.
The 36-year-old told the media that after opting out in early July, he hadn’t even picked up a bat until last week.
Nick Markakis opted out of the 2020 season on July 6.@mlbbowman: When was the next time you picked up a bat?
"Last week." pic.twitter.com/kY72MuFX9x
— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) August 7, 2020
With the win, the Braves move to 9-5. They have three more wins than any team in the NL East, but are technically a half game behind the 6-1 Miami Marlins in winning percentage. Miami has only played seven games — they returned to action on Tuesday — due to a COVID-19 outbreak within their team.
About Matt Clapp
Matt is an editor/writer at The Comeback and Awful Announcing.
He can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.