Nick Markakis is expected to be ready for the start of the Braves season. (Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports)
Recently signed Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis underwent fusion surgery on a herniated disk in his neck but should ready to join the team for spring training in late February.
Recovery time from the surgery, which was performed Wednesday in Atlanta by Dr. Steven Wray, is projected to be eight weeks.
The Braves signed the 31-year-old Markakis to a four-year, $4 million contract knowing that he had the injury since before the 2013 season when he was with the Baltimore Orioles.
Markakis played through the neck injury last season, appearing in 155 games and batting ,276 with 14 home runs and 50 RBIs.
In nine years with the Orioles, Markis compiled a .290 career batting average with 141 home runs and 658 RBIs, including two 100-RBI seasons.
