Nick Markakis underwent "significant" surgery Thursday to repair a torn rectus abdominus muscle but it hopeful of being ready for Opening Day.
Markakis thought he was nearly recovered a month ago, but scar tissue was preventing the injury from healing completely. He won't be able to do anything besides walk for the next three weeks and hopes to start lifting some weights at that point. Baseball activities can begin as early as five weeks after the procedure. It's worth noting that the Nationals' Ryan Zimmerman had a similar surgery, missed six weeks and then still wasn't 100 percent after returning. So, while the O's are hopeful Markakis will be ready for the opener, it would seem to be in doubt at this point.
Bummer for the Orioles. Markakis is their best overall player but the sad thing is, he's not that special. He plays GG defense but his bat has never come around as expected. This abdominal problem isn't going to help matters. Hopefully he can get back to 100% and become trade bait for the O's.