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Braves move Markakis to the leadoff spot

PHILADELPHIA – Mired in a four-game slump and getting worst production in the majors from the top two positions in their lineup, the Braves moved veteran Nick Markakis to the leadoff spot and Andrelton Simmons to the 2-hole, where each had plenty of previous experience but none this season.

Gonzalez also moved Freddie Freeman from the cleanup position to the No. 3 spot, where Freeman hit on a regular basis in the past but in only one game this season before Saturday. Hot-hitting catcher A.J. Pierzysnki batted cleanup Saturday.

“The manager, he’s the one who makes the lineup,” said Markakis, who had an eight-game hitting streak snapped Friday.