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Atlanta Braves: 5 Things We Learned From Braves First 15 Games

By Deke Lloyd

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - MARCH 12: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates with Nick Markakis #22 of the Atlanta Braves after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during the Grapefruit League spring training game at Champion Stadium on March 12, 2019 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - MARCH 12: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates with Nick Markakis #22 of the Atlanta Braves after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during the Grapefruit League spring training game at Champion Stadium on March 12, 2019 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Braves
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – SEPTEMBER 11: Nick Markakis #22 of the Atlanta Braves is congratulated by teammates after he scored against the San Francisco Giants in the top of the fourth inning at AT&T Park on September 11, 2018 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

2. Nick Markakis Hasn’t Slowed Down

I will be the first to admit it, I was a huge doubter when the Braves decided to bring Nick Markakis back on a one-year, incitive laden, deal this offseason. I saw Nick’s All-Star season as a flash in the pan for a veteran on his way out of the game.

I was genuinely surprised when Nick was brought back on a one-year deal. I was surprised he didn’t get more on the open market from some desperate team in need of a semi flashy name. I have also been surprised about what Nick has been able to do this season so far.

Markakis has been slotted in the fifth spot behind Acuna and Freeman for most of the season. In 55 ABs, Markakis has posted a .327 average with 2 home runs and 13 RBI. This has been due to Acuna and Freeman getting on base in front of him but he has been the guy finishing those opportunities.

The Braves lineup is better when Markakis is going because pitchers won’t be able to pitch around Freeman and Acuna as often. That doesn’t mean those two guys won’t be getting pitched around, however. As long as Markakis keeps hitting in those spots, the Braves offense will thrive.

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