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While many folks were very excited about the widely reported call-up of the Braves’ top prospect in Cristian Pache, a few of us were wondering openly about the timing of that reporting. It isn’t like Ender Inciarte wasn’t playing badly before tonight’s game and since the announcement didn’t come before Snitker’s media availability or lineups were posted, it was weird to say the least.
That meant that the likelihood of a late scratch was pretty high and unfortunately for the Braves, that scratch was one of their better hitters of late.
OF Nick Markakis has been potentially exposed to COVID-19. He has tested negative for the virus, but out of an abundance of caution, Markakis has been placed on the injured list.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 18, 2020
While we have been widely known as being critical of how Nick Markakis has been used historically by the Braves, there is no question that since he returned to the team, he has been one of their better hitters especially with Acuna and Albies out. In 12 games with the team, Markakis has slashed .353/.421/.618 which has been welcome production for a team that is reeling from personnel losses.
The lineup tonight does not include Markakis for obvious reasons or Pache as he will be on the bench to start the evening. However, given that they are down a bat, we could see Pache in the very near future or even pinch hit in this game if it comes down to it.