We’ve seen opt outs this year, as MLB plays through the pandemic, and now we’ve seen our first opt-back-in.
Braves outfielder Nick Markakis says he made a “rash decision” to opt out of the season, and now he’s coming back:
Markakis is back with the #Braves are changing his mind about opting out of the 2020 season.
"Sometimes in life you make rash decisions" — Markakishttps://t.co/M9GmijaqAc
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) July 29, 2020
#Braves' Markakis: "it’s been in my blood since four years old. And it sucks watching baseball when you know you can still go out there and compete and play on a daily basis. And it eats away at you a little bit."
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) July 29, 2020
I would not have thought this week would see a player opt back into playing, but here we are. Just as I am all about supporting players who decide for their own reasons and for their family that they aren’t going to play this year, I’ll support Markakis for deciding he actually does want to play.
The 36-year-old Markakis was still an above-average overall bat for the Braves last year, so I’m sure – from a baseball perspective – they’re thrilled he’s returning to the mix. I’m sure they’re also just happy to have a teammate back.