Braves' Nick Markakis (neck) getting closer to return

Braves outfielder Nick Markakis (neck) may soon be cleared by the team's medical staff to participate in all baseball activities, manager Fredi Gonzalez told MLB.com.

Markakis has been limited to throwing and some hitting exercises as he continues to recover from December fusion surgery to repair a herniated disk in his neck. He believes he still has enough time to get enough plate appearances this spring to be ready for Opening Day.