Outfielder Nick Markakis, the Braves' most expensive offseason acquisition, is expected to make his spring training debut on Monday. The 31-year-old will serve as the team's designated hitter against the Houston Astros in Kissimmee, Fla., the latest step his ongoing rehabilitation process from offseason neck surgery.
Markakis has been participating in batting practice over the past few days, but this will be his first in-game action since the Dec. 17 surgery.
The former Orioles standout has maintained that his goal is to be in the team's Opening Day lineup.
After hitting .276/.342/.386 with 14 home runs and winning a Gold Glove last season in Baltimore, Markakis projects as a top-of-the-lineup bat for manager Fredi Gonzalez's team.
Markakis is the most prominent member of the Braves' hampered outfield right now. Melvin Upton Jr. is expected to miss at least the first month of the season with a foot injury, so getting their right fielder back on the field is one of the more important storylines of Atlanta's spring training.
By all accounts, it appears Markakis is progressing in that regard.
