NEW YORK (AP) — Braves right fielder Nick Markakis has left the team because of a family emergency, manager Fredi Gonzalez said before Wednesday afternoon's game against the Mets.

Gonzalez said Markakis called him Wednesday morning to say he needed to head home to Maryland. The veteran is expected to be back in time for Friday's home game against Arizona. Atlanta is off Thursday.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with him," Gonzalez said. "Hope everything comes out OK."

Chase d'Arnaud started in right field and rookie Mallex Smith led off Wednesday after hitting his first career home run from the No. 9 spot Tuesday.

Markakis is hitting .281 with no home runs and 20 RBIs.