Braves Outfielder Nick Markakis Undergoes Neck Surgery

ATLANTA, Ga. - Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis underwent successful fusion surgery today to repair a herniated disk in his neck. The operation was performed in Atlanta by Dr. Steven Wray.

Markakis, who turned 31 in November, is expected to resume baseball activities before the Braves open spring training in late February.

Markakis agreed to terms with the Braves on a four-year contract on December 3. He has played his entire nine-year career with the Baltimore Orioles and was selected by the Orioles in the first round (seventh overall) of the 2003 First-Year Player draft out of Young Harris College. He attended Woodstock (Ga.) High School. 

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound lefthander played in 155 games for the Orioles in 2014, when he hit .276 with 14 home runs and 50 RBI for the American League East Division champion Orioles. He has played at least 155 games in seven of his nine Major League seasons and has compiled a .290 career batting average. Markakis has averaged 89 runs, 38 doubles, 17 home runs and 78 RBI per 162 games played over his career.