Martin Prado is ready to bolster Atlanta Braves – MLB News
Martin Prado has recovered from the staph infection in his right leg that has kept him away from the Major League since June 8. Having .277 average, Prado had 1-for-5 in his rehab assignment with Double-A Mississippi.
The Braves were looking forward to the swift recovery of the hitter whose injury during the first half of season caused tremendous worry for the team. Prado is now expected to join the team on Friday prior to the series scheduled to be played against the
Washington Nationals.
"He'll be here tomorrow," Braves’ manager Fredi Gonzalez said at Turner Field on Thursday. "Great reports. Yesterday, I talked to (Double-A manager) Rocket Wheeler and he was running good. Just make sure his legs are OK and he's playing well."
Of the huge worry for the Braves is their unpredictable and woefully straining inconsistent offence. If that alone was not enough, the Braves got third baseman Chipper Jones on 15 day disabled list due to meniscus of his right knee.
However, much as Jones finding himself in the disabled list is a shock, the Braves can find a palpable sense of immediate satisfaction in Prado’s return at this juncture. However, even Prado is unsure of his remaining fit.
He alluded to his occasional bouts of injuries when asked how he felt after the rehab game. "One day I'll feel good and the next day I'll be sore," Prado said. "But I'm making progress."
There is indeed a strong reason why the Braves have a reliance on the young hitter. Having played 61 games this season and unfortunately falling unfit last month, Prado has scored 36 runs at a time when the offence is not performing particularly well.
His 2011 season consists of 71 hits that also include no less than eight home-runs with 33 RBIs. Prado has an average of .277 this season, showing infallible signs of being a reliable hitter whenever needed.
"I'm always excited to get Martin back," Jones said. "He's one of our intensity guys. Not to mention, he's an All-Star." That he has remained an All-Star raises the bets on him and hopes are attached to his eagerly awaited good performances.
Although his rehabilitation game on Thursday included an error, finding it difficult to collect a ground ball, adjustment to third base will certainly take some time owing to the fact that he has remained not perfectly fit to play.
As the Braves make preparations for the Friday’s game to be played against the Washington Nationals, Prado is expected to contribute something valuable just when the offence is not doing their best.
Only time will tell if Prado will remain healthy and be able to contribute to the Braves offence in the latter stages of the regular season.
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