Atlanta Braves’ prized acquisition this past offseason, Nick Markakis, is return to be slotted into the lineup.
Markakis received a 4-year $44 million contract in December from the Braves and then roughly two weeks later, he had neck surgery.  He underwent fusion surgery to repair a herniated disk in his neck.
Braves fans have anticipated his arrival this Spring Training and now it will come to fruition.
David O’Brien tweeted out a photo earlier today of the Braves travel card.  This showed who was going to travel to Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee, Florida to play on Monday versus the Houston Astros.  On this list, you’ll see Nick Markakis.
The 31-year-old has a career .290/.358/.435 slash line with 141 homers, 61 stolen bases, 658 RBIs and 749 runs scored. Â On top of being a successful at the plate, he also has multiple Gold Glove awards from 2011 and 2014.
After the Sunday game against the Detroit Tigers, Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez told reports that Markakis will indeed be in the lineup on Monday.  He’ll serve as the designated hitter on Monday and then we’ll see him in right field on Tuesday…unless any setbacks occur.  Â
#Braves Markakis will DH Monday and play right field Tuesday, barring any setbacks. Fredi G confirmed after game.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) March 22, 2015
Starting pitchers haven’t been announced yet for either team for Monday but it’s possible the Braves will see right hander Collin McHugh from the Astros.
Michael Foltynewicz will most likely get the ball for the Braves and pitch against the team that drafted him back in 2010 in the first round, 19th pick.
The next step will be – what will be the Braves lineup look like and where will Markakis be slotted in at?  Based on the travel grid, below is my guess.
1. Eric Young Jr CF
2. Markakis DH
3. Freddie Freeman 1B
4. Chris Johnson 3B
5. Andrelton Simmons SS
6. Kelly Johnson 2B
7. Joey Terdoslavich LF
9. Todd Cunningham RF