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The Atlanta Braves could be closing in on the return of a pair of injured outfielders before the end of the regular season. Both Nick Markakis and Ender Inciarte are progressing in their return from injury.
Markakis has been out since July 26 with a fractured wrist. He is scheduled to take part in sim games next week while the team is on the road and there is a chance, according to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, that he could be activated as soon as next weekend.
Markakis will get at-bats in simulated situations next week in Philadelphia. There’s a chance he could be activated next weekend. Inciarte is growing more hopeful he’ll return before the end of the regular season.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) September 7, 2019
"If he feels good, his immediate presence will be felt in our lineup."
— FOX Sports: Braves (@FOXSportsBraves) September 7, 2019
-- Brian Snitker says Nick Markakis will play two simulated games in Philly and will be reevaluated after. pic.twitter.com/5Avyod7Ump
Inciarte has been recovering from a hamstring strain since August 16. He has been ramping up his level of activity and has been hitting off the pitching machine. There still is no current timeline for his return but he says that he is hopeful that he will be able to return before the end of the regular season.
Inciarte says he’s very encouraged about where he is in his rehab process. Has been ramping up the effort level running and hitting off the pitching machine. When asked if he thought he’d be able to return before the end of the regular season he said “I’m pretty positive I will”
— Kevin McAlpin (@KevinMcAlpin) September 7, 2019
"I want to come back as soon as possible and they want the same thing.
— FOX Sports: Braves (@FOXSportsBraves) September 7, 2019
-- Ender Inciarte updates on his path back to #Braves roster from the injured list. #ChopOn pic.twitter.com/8vbe5aWEmD
The Braves will have some decisions to make when they pair down their roster to 25 players for the playoffs. It is imperative that both Markakis and Inciarte get some at-bats over the final weeks of the regular season if they are to be in the mix for the postseason roster.
Atlanta will wrap up a nine-game homestand this weekend against the Nationals before heading out on a seven-game trip that will take them to Philadelphia and Washington.