by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/11/2013) Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis doubled among two hits as the designated hitter Friday in Minnesota. Markakis' single to left-center field in the seventh inning helped trim a six-run deficit to 6-5. Baltimore won 9-6 in extra innings.
Markakis, who added a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 8-6 in the 10th, went 2 for 4 with a walk and two runs to go with two RBI. He's batting .279.
After a slow April, Markakis' bat is warming in May. He's gone 10 for 35 (.286) to this point with four doubles and four RBI over nine games.
Nick Markakis not allowed to use special breast cancer bat
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/10/2013) Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis will not be allowed to use a special bat to honor his mother -- a breast cancer survivor -- on Mother's Day, according to The Baltimore Sun.
Markakis had a black bat with a pink “label” circle made by MaxBat Inc. from Minnesota. Instead, MLB players will be allowed to use pink bats from Louisville Slugger, which holds the exclusive rights to pink bats for Major League Baseball.
"If I said something (to MLB) would it really make a difference? No, I doubt it," Markakis said. "It is what it is. You've got to abide by the rules."
Nick Markakis OK as occasional DH
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/8/2013) Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis got a start as the designated hitter Wednesday against the Royals for the third time this season and second time in his last eight games, MASNSports.com reports. Markakis said the role is a different mindset.
"It's different," Markakis said. "You just have to stay loose, stay stretched and wait for your turn to hit. Haven't done it much, but it's good. It gives me a chance to get my feet back under me. It's a different mindset. It's good every once in a while."
Markakis, who went 1 for 8 with no RBI and two walks in his first two starts as the DH this season, is batting .270 overall with three homers and 15 RBI. He's 6 for 25 (.240) in May, however, and would like to get his bat started once again.
Nick Markakis making solid contact
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/3/2013) Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis contributed at the plate during Thursday's contest against the Angels.
Markakis slapped an RBI double in the seventh inning for his only hit of night. He finished 1 for 5 with an RBI in a 5-1 victory,
Markakis has gone 7 for 26 (.269) with one home run, four runs scored and four RBI in his last six games. He is hitting .281/.326/.380 with three home runs and 15 RBI in 121 at-bats.
Nick Markakis nets 10th multi-hit game
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/2/2013) Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis managed his 10th multi-hit game Wednesday against the Mariners. Markakis is batting .261 (12 for 46) with one home run, seven runs and nine RBI in his last 11 games.
Nick Markakis hits third homer
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/27/2013) Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis had his ninth multi-hit game Saturday against the A's. He went 2 for 4 with a home run in the 7-3 win.
Markakis hit a two-run homer off starter A.J. Griffin in the fourth inning and added a base hit in the eighth.
The 29-year-old is batting .293 with three homers and 13 RBI.
Deuces wild for Nick Markakis
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (4/26/2013) It was deuces wild for Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis Thursday against Oakland, as he had two hits, two runs and two RBI in the win.
Markakis, whose hits were singles, has been struggling to hit for power. His .297 average and .350 on-base mark are well within his career norms, but Markakis has never slugged under .400 in his career. He has two home runs and two doubles in 100 plate appearances.
Nick Markakis 'firing on all pistons'
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/22/2013) Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis drove in the game-winning run in walk-off fashion on Monday night at home against the Blue Jays. Markakis smacked a bases-loaded single off Aaron Loup to left field in the bottom of the ninth in a 2-1 win.
After falling behind 0-2, Markakis fouled a pitch off before the key single, which MASNSports.com recounted.
"Believe me, it doesn't go unnoticed," manager Buck Showalter said. "That's a tough at-bat, tough arm angle. That guy, you see what left-handers are hitting off him last year and this year. He's tough. He established the fastball away. Nicky's not trying to do too much there."
Markakis was 2 for 5 in the game and has at least one base hit in 16 of 19 games this year with a .316 average. He's posted multiple hits in seven of 10 home games.
"Nicky is firing on all pistons," Showalter said. "He may not wear it on his sleeve but there's a real fire in there. You don't do the things he does day in and day out and post up... He likes to compete. You talk all the time about someone who likes to be in that situation. It's just that you don't shrink from it. We don't look for things that test us in life necessarily. It's just that he doesn't shrink from it. He says, 'OK, let's go.'"
Nate McLouth, Nick Markakis sharing leadoff spot
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/16/2013) It seems pretty obvious that the Orioles have a clear split among the team's leadoff hitters. Nate McLouth bats first against right-handed starters and Nick Markakis against lefties.
McLouth got the nod Tuesday at home against Tampa Bay right-hander Roberto Hernandez. He's led off in three-straight games for the Orioles but has faced three-straight righties.
Markakis led off April 12 in New York against left-handed CC Sabathia. The reason McLouth has seen far more at-bats at the No. 1 spot than Markakis is the Orioles have seen more righties than lefties.
McLouth, who likely will sit if he's not leading off with Nolan Reimold playing left field, is batting .263 after 38 at-bats with an RBI and two stolen bases.
"I feel good about it. I'm happy with my at-bats. Maybe don't have a ton to show for it yet, but feel like I've been pretty decent so far this season and yeah, I feel good," said McLouth to MASNSports.com.
Markakis has seen 51 at-bats and is hitting .294 with two homers and four RBI.
Nick Markakis hits another one out
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/13/2013) Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis hit his second home run on Saturday against the Yankees. He led off the third inning by taking starter Phil Hughes over the right field wall and finished 1 for 3. The 29-year-old also walked once in a 5-3 win.
Markakis is batting .364 (12 for 33) in the last eight games with four RBI and five runs scored.
Nick Markakis hits first homer
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/11/2013) Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis homered for the first time this season Wednesday in Boston. Markakis went 1 for 5 with a solo shot off Ryan Dempster in the fourth inning for his first HR since Aug. 12 of last year.
Markakis also grounded out for another RBI in the first inning as he notched his first multi-RBI game of the season.
The left-handed right fielder is batting .333 over his first 36 at-bats with two doubles.
Nick Markakis posts four-hit night
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (4/6/2013) Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis posted a 4-for-5 night in his team's 6-5 loss to the Twins Saturday, collecting two doubles and two singles. He also scored his sixth run of the season while pushing his average to .348.
Nick Markakis hits third against righty
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/3/2013) While Nick Markakis batted leadoff against left-handed starter David Price in Tuesday's season opener, manager Buck Showalter had the Orioles' right fielder hitting third Wednesday, reports MLB.com.
Markakis moved down in the order with Nate McLouth getting the leadoff spot as the Rays sent right-hander Jeremy Hellickson to the mound. Manny Machado remained in the No. 2 spot in the order for Showalter.
The 29-year-old Markakis went 1 for 5 in the opener with a run scored and may move around in the order all season depending on the matchups.
Nick Markakis back atop Orioles lineup
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/2/2013) Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis started atop Baltimore's order in Tuesday's opening day win at Tampa Bay. Markakis, who made his seventh opening day start, passing Ken Singleton for most in franchise history by a right fielder, had been dealing with a neck injury during the spring.
Markakis hit a couple balls on the nose with nothing to show for it, but ultimately went 1 for 5 in the game as the Orioles won, 7-4. He scored a run and finished 0 for 1 with runners in scoring position.
Markakis was able to return before the end of the spring and his health is no longer in question.
Nick Markakis right-hand man for Orioles
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/2/2013) With the neck issue that limited him for much of the spring officially behind him, Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis is poised to make history during the team's season opener against Tampa Bay Tuesday. Markakis, who will serve as the leadoff hitter, will make his seventh consecutive opening day start, passing Ken Singleton for most in franchise history by a right fielder.
Nick Markakis in opening day lineup
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/1/2013) Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis, who dealt with a neck injury during the spring, was penciled in to start in right field and hit leadoff during Tuesday's season opener at Tampa Bay. Markakis hit .247 (7 for 29) with three RBI in eight spring games.
Nick Markakis heads in right direction
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/30/2013) Baltimore outfielder Nick Markakis continued to cement his health status for the upcoming season by patrolling right field for the third consecutive game during the Orioles' exhibition matchup with the Mets on Saturday. Markakis, who dealt with a nagging neck issue during the early part of camp, went 1 for 4 as the No. 3 hitter to finish with a .241 batting average in the spring.
He is expected to start the team's season opener at Tampa Bay on Tuesday, but his place in the lineup has yet to be determined.
Points-leaguers underrating Nick Markakis
by Al Melchior | Data Analyst (3/27/2013)Nick Markakis has provided Fantasy owners with plenty of reasons to doubt him entering this season. Whether it's because of the long-term erosion of his home run power or last season's missed time due to injuries or the neck woes that have shelved him for much of this spring, owners have been hesitant to pursue the Orioles ' 29-year-old.
Especially in Head-to-Head points leagues, that avoidance is a mistake. Markakis will be in the lineup and in the field for Wednesday's game against the Yankees, and barring a setback, lost playing time should not be a major concern for 2013. Just as important, when Markakis did play last season, his doubles power returned, and he even hit with a little more home run power.
Maybe Markakis will never have another 20-homer season, but he consistently hits for average on a 40-plus doubles pace. Markakis also rarely strikes out, so he is an ideal player for points leagues, worthy of being taken among the top 15 outfielders. Currently 24th in ADP, most owners are getting Markakis as a major bargain.
Nick Markakis in lineup again
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (3/27/2013) Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis is playing right field and batting leadoff in Wednesday’s spring training game. Markakis has been dealing with a neck injury this spring, but was able to DH on Tuesday. Markakis has been considered questionable for the start of the season, but playing in consecutive games is a step in the right direction.
Nick Markakis singles in first at-bat for Orioles
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/26/2013) Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis, who is recovering from a herniated disk in his neck, returned to the lineup as the designated hitter Tuesday against the Twins. He went 1 for 5 and singled in his first at-bat for Baltimore as the leadoff hitter. Manager Buck Showater said Markakis could play right field Wednesday against the Yankees, reports MLB.com.
Nick Markakis to DH for Orioles Tuesday
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/25/2013) Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis, who took batting practice for the second consecutive day Monday, expects to be the designated hitter on Tuesday in a Grapefruit League game for the Orioles, reports MASNSports.com. Markakis said earlier Monday that his recovery from a herniated disk in his neck has gone smoothly.
Nick Markakis feeling 'smooth' for O's
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/25/2013) Baltimore Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis is expected to take batting practice for the second straight day Monday and hopes to play in a game within a few days, reports MASNSports.com.
Markakis, who has been dealing with a herniated disk in his neck, said everything has gone "smooth," over the last few days. Markakis says it is just a day-to-day progression.
"Hopefully, it's a couple more days and I'll get in a game soon," he said.
Nick Markakis to hit off tee Friday
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (3/22/2013)Nick Markakis will hit off a tee Friday in his first baseball activity since he was diagnosed with a herniated disc in his neck last week. Markakis and the Orioles remain optimistic he will be ready for opening day, but his availability will depend on his response to his first workouts. If he isn't ready to go, expect Nolan Reimold to take over in right field.
Nick Markakis cleared to resume baseball activities
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (3/21/2013) Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis, who has been dealing with a herniated disk in his neck, has been cleared to resume baseball activities Friday. He's played just four games in spring training and none since March 1. His opening-day status is still up in the air.
Nick Markakis hoping to gain clearance
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/21/2013) Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis (neck) will speak with spine specialist Dr. Lee Riley Thursday and hopes to be cleared for baseball activities in the next couple of days. Markakis said he has full range of motion in his neck and no pain. CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reported Wednesday Markakis is 50-50 for opening day.
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (3/20/2013)Nick Markakis is 50-50 to be ready for the Orioles' opening day roster, CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman reports. Markakis has been dealing with a herniated disk in his neck.
Nolan Reimold, who has been dealing with a shoulder injury, and Ryan Flaherty are the most likely options to replace Markakis in right field should he be forced to miss time.
Nick Markakis seeking work time
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/19/2013) Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis (neck) said Tuesday he hopes to resume baseball activities by Friday or Saturday as he attempts to be ready for opening day, The Baltimore Sun reports. Markakis, who has not appeared in a spring game since March 1, said he only feels minor soreness in his neck and is scheduled to meet with a doctor again this week.
Nick Markakis still a leading candidate
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/15/2013) Despite being sidelined with a small disc herniation in his neck, Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis remains in the mix to serve as the team's leadoff hitter to start the regular season. Markakis was inserted into the top spot for the first time in his career last season after missing six weeks with a hand injury and generated a .335 batting average and .390 on-base percentage. He also whiffed just 14 times in 221 at-bats.
He is among several candidates for the position, along with Brian Roberts, Nate McLouth and others. "I'm still looking at everything," manager Buck Showalter told MLB.com on Friday. "It's way too early not to have an open mind on anything that might present itself that makes us as good as we can be. Like I've said before, I'm just excited that we have multiple options."
Markakis aims for opening day
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/13/2013) MASNsports.com reports Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis returned to camp Wednesday after seeing a spine specialist Tuesday. Markakis, who has been diagnosed with a small disc herniation in his neck between the c4 and c5 vertebrae, said he has been given a 2-3 week timetable and he's already a week into his recovery. Markakis said he is "pretty optimistic" about being ready by opening day. If not, Markakis said he wouldn't be out more than a week beyond opening day. “It’s already been a week so we will see where are at in 7-10 days,” Markakis said. “But he also told me it could be 8-12 weeks before I’m completely symptom free. We’re looking on the positive side, we are going in the right direction with getting all the inflammation and pain out right now. And opening day definitely isn’t out of the picture, but if I’m not feeling good and I still have pain and discomfort in there, I got to get that fixed before anything.”
Markakis has disc herniation
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/12/2013) The Orioles announced Tuesday outfielder Nick Markakis has a small disc herniation in his neck between the c4 and c5 vertebrae. The recovery time is 7-14 days and Markakis has already been sidelined a week. The Orioles feel he might be recovered in another week. Markakis, who said he felt better Monday, is headed back to Baltimore Tuesday to see a spine specialist and will be back in camp Wednesday. "We'd like for it to be nothing, just a spasm, but when you start talking about that, you hope you get that type of prognosis," manager Buck Showalter said, per MASNsports.com. "Everything else is structurally fine. Some of the things you worry about with it weren't present. We have positive hopes for it to resolve itself."
Markakis waiting on MRI results
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/11/2013) Baltimore manager Buck Showalter said outfielder Nick Markakis underwent an MRI on his ailing neck Monday afternoon, but the results are not expected to be revealed until Tuesday at the earliest, MLB.com reports. Markakis was pulled from the starting lineup March 3 because of lingering neck spasms and has not played since. He said Sunday he thinks the MRI is "probably more of a precaution to see what's going on in there and identify exactly what it is that's bothering me." Markakis had three surgeries last year and missed the entire postseason with a broken thumb.
Markakis going for MRI
(3/9/2013) Orioles manager Buck Showalter said Saturday that outfielder Nick Markakis will undergo an MRI on his lingering neck injury on Monday. Markakis has not played since March 1 due to the issue. “I’m not going to downplay it. We’ll see,” Showalter said of Markakis’ injury, per MLB.com. “When you get something that has kind of cropped up twice, information is a good thing…I haven’t been told anything to make me think there’s a sense of urgency with that. I asked Nick about it and he goes, ‘Whatever.’ We’ll see. It wasn’t much improved today though. About the same as yesterday. It gets better as the day goes on, and when he wakes up it’s real stiff.”
Markakis will not return Sunday
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/8/2013) MASNSports.com reports that Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis will not make his anticipated return Sunday as he continues to deal with neck stiffness. In fact, manager Buck Showalter told reporters that Markakis' neck tightened up again Thursday while he played with his kids. "He's still close, but I wouldn't say Sunday. I'll probably wait a little bit on that one, just to be sure," Showalter said.
Markakis eyeing Sunday return
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (3/6/2013) Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis has been sitting on the bench since last Sunday with a neck injury, but the Orioles have a timetable for his return ready. Manager Buck Showalter told reporters Wednesday that Markakis will make his return to Grapefruit action Sunday, and he will likely play in the field in that game. Markakis has been dealing with neck stiffness for a few days, but it is has not been considered a major issue.
Markakis eyeing Sunday return
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (3/6/2013) Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis has been sitting on the bench since last Sunday with a neck injury, but the Orioles have a timetable for his return ready. Manager Buck Showalter told reporters Wednesday that Markakis will make his return to Grapefruit action Sunday, and he will likely play in the field in that game. Markakis has been dealing with neck stiffness for a few days, but it is has not been considered a major issue.
Markakis not putting neck on line
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/5/2013) Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis will be out until possibly the end of the week as he continues to deal with neck stiffness that has kept him on the bench since last Sunday, MLB.com reports. He said Tuesday he is gradually improving and no structural damage was found by team doctors following an examination. "The good thing is I wasn't getting any numbness or any pain down my arm or leg or anything, so we've kind of ruled out anything with a disc probably," he said. "That's good. Today's better than yesterday, so that's all we can hope for and we move on from there."
Markakis has pain in the neck
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/3/2013) Baltimore outfielder Nick Markakis was held out of Sunday's Grapefruit League game against Philadelphia because of back spasms, MASNSports.com reports. Orioles manager Buck Showalter said Markakis apparently "slept wrong" and probably wouldn't have played if it were a regular season contest. He is unlikely to return to the lineup until Wednesday. "We checked him out and it's just a spasm type of thing," Showalter said.
Markakis looking for groove
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (2/25/2013) Baltimore outfielder Nick Markakis went 2 for 3 with a pair of singles during the Orioles' 5-1 win over the Yankees in a Grapefruit League matchup Monday. With the Orioles holding auditions for the starting left-field spot, Markakis served as the designated hitter again and collected his first hits of the spring while also driving in a run. He also slotted third in the batting order as Nolan Reimold assumed the leadoff spot.
Markakis cleared for takeoff
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (2/22/2013) Baltimore outfielder Nick Markakis returned to camp Friday after being cleared of any serious issues following an acid reflux test, MASN Sports reports. Markakis, who was unable to participate in last Wednesday's intrasquad game because of the ailment, said he underwent the same test during the 2005 season while he was in the minors. He is expected to play in Grapefruit League games over the weekend.
Markakis getting tests done
(2/20/2013) MLB.com reports Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis was unable to play in Wednesday's intrasquad game as he was being tested for acid reflux. Manager Buck Showalter expects Markakis to return Friday. "When they say that [they have acid reflux in their physical], they follow up on that and find out what they are testing for, if it's acid reflux or an ulcer," Showalter said. "This test tells you what it would be before you medicate it. ... They are trying to eliminate which one it is with all three of those guys. Instead of it being a problem in May or June, let's find out right now what we are dealing with."
Markakis says he's good to go
by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer (1/11/2013) Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis, who broke his thumb and played his last game in 2012 on Sept. 8, says he is good to go for the start of 2013. "All in all, I'm good to go," Markakis told MASN.com. "I've got my workouts going and I'm just excited to get down there [to spring training]." Markakis had three surgeries in 2012 (one for the thumb, one for a broken hamate bone, and one for his abdomen), which resulted in a career-low 104 games played.
