May 25
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Since we've bombarded you with almost exclusively bad news here from the Queen City these past few days, let's start with a bit of good news: Martin Prado's bat is blazing. The bad news, of course, is that his is about the only one that is among Braves, who as a team are in deep-freeze mode offensively. But more on that in a moment. First, the Prado facts and figures. He's hit .463 (19-for-41) with seven extra-base hits, a .521 OBP and a .707 slugging percentage in his past 11 games, and over his past 31 games he's carried a .350 average and .947 OPS. In his past 33 games, Prado has 16 extra-base hits, 22 runs and 19 RBIs."
February 21
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Kris Medlen prefers to start, but he has the versatility to pitch well in relief and he knows the Braves have top prospects competing for starting jobs. And so the bullpen is where the Braves plan to use him in 2012. However, manager Fredi Gonzalez reiterated Monday that Medlen would get "stretched out" like the projected starters this spring, just in case. "He could jump in there as a starter if he needs to," Gonzalez said. "So we'll stretch him out, get to four or five innings there at the end [of spring training] like every other starter, and then if everybody is healthy – which is a good sign – then he'll go to the bullpen and do whatever we want as far as those middle innings.""
January 13
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
The Braves agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Martin Prado on Friday, avoiding arbitration. The deal, which will pay Prado between $4.5 and $5 million, has no real bearing on the whether the Braves end up trading him because any conversations have come with the understanding that Prado would draw this kind of salary for 2012. But the closer the Braves get to spring training, the more apparent it seems neither he or Jair Jurrjens is going anywhere, despite their mention in multiple trade scenarios."
December 22
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
columnist Jeff Schultz
"
The Braves have made it clear — by their lack of denial, as well as logic and circumstances — that they are open to trading pitcher Jair Jurrjens and outfielder-infielder Martin Prado. But are/were they really willing to trade both . . . for one player? According to the Baltimore Sun, the Braves offered Jurrjens, Prado and a prospect to the Orioles for center fielder Adam Jones, but Baltimore declined the proposal."
October 4
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Braves general manager Frank Wren sat down with selected members of the media following the end of the Braves season, discussing topics ranging from the September collapse to roster projections. In Part II of that interview, Wren talks about Brian McCann's late-season troubles, the prospects of signing Michael Bourn long-term and Freddie Freeman's breakout season, among other things."
September 12
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
There have been times lately when Martin Prado has gone to the plate feeling as if the opposing team had eight too many defenders on the field. The Braves left fielder is struggling mightily, and he doesn't hide the fact it's eating at him. He's hit .220 with one homer and a .273 on-base percentage in 150 at-bats during his past 36 games. "People think that it's easy," he said quietly Sunday morning. "It's not easy. It's hard to go to sleep like that. It's hard." After a breakout performance last year, when the former utility infielder made the All-Star team as a second baseman in his first full season as a lineup regular, Prado has had a rough go of it in 2011. He's hit .261 with 25"
September 11
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
While Brian McCann has fought one of the worst slumps of his career, the Braves have sputtered down the stretch in a playoff race. This is particularly difficult for the Braves' six-time All-Star catcher, who takes a lot of pride in being a hitter his team can count on. Since returning Aug. 14 from a stint on the disabled list for a strained oblique, he was 12-for-78 (.154) with five homers, 10 RBIs, 21 strikeouts and a .283 on-base percentage in 22 games before Saturday. The 21 strikeouts in 78 at-bats are particularly unusual for McCann, who has never struck out 100 times in a season and had only 64 strikeouts in 509 at-bats in 2008."
August 17
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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On a night that belonged to rookie Randall Delgado for six no-hit innings, it was Martin Prado who took charge in the 11th to give the Braves another dramatic walk-off win Tuesday night against San Francisco. Prado's two-out single through the right side of the infield gave the Braves a 2-1 win over the Giants, one night after Freddie Freeman's two-out single in the ninth gave them a walk-off win in the series opener. Prado had been 3-for-23 on the homestand before driving left-hander Javier Lopez's 1-1 pitch to the opposite field to score Brooks Conrad, who reached on a pinch-hit single and advanced on Michael Bourn's groundout. "It was a huge win for us, big for the wild card," Prado"
July 13
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Next up for rehabbing Martin Prado: Double-A Mississippi. Prado is scheduled to play two games for Mississippi Wednesday and Thursday, likely his final injury-rehab games before he's activated from the disabled list. The Braves left fielder went 3-for-20 with three singles, one RBI, three walks and five strikeouts in six rehab games for Triple-A Gwinnett, including three games at third base, two at DH and one in left field. Gwinnett is off today and Wednesday for the Triple-A All-Star break."
July 10
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
As tempting as it might be, the Braves resisted the urge to call up Martin Prado early from his minor league rehabilitation assignment with word that Chipper Jones was headed for the DL and arthroscopic surgery Saturday. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said it crossed his mind, but the Braves don't want to rush Prado's return from staph infection surgery. "We talked about that, bringing him back for two days," Gonzalez said. "But we don't want to rush him and then he gets hurt." The plan is for Prado to continue his minor league rehabilitation with Triple-A Gwinnett until Sunday and then to join Double-A Mississippi in Mobile to play another game on Monday. He'll participate in a Braves'"
July 7
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Martin Prado caught a flight to Charlotte on Wednesday and began a minor-league rehab assignment, with a plan to come off the disabled list July 15 for the Braves' first game after the All-Star break. The standout left fielder has been on the DL for one month recovering from a staph infection in his right calf that required surgery. Prado is scheduled to play five games with Triple-A Gwinnett – two at Charlotte Wednesday and Thursday, then a three-game series against the same team beginning Friday at Gwinnett. He could play for Double-A Mississippi or another affiliate on Monday, or the Braves might decide he's had enough rehab and have him rest a day or two before working out with the"
July 6
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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After missing a month for a staph infection, Braves left fielder Martin Prado is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday at Charlotte. He had hoped to play in next weekend's big series at Philadelphia, but Prado will likely wait to be activated for the Braves' first game back from the All-Star break on July 15 against Washington at Turner Field. "I don't think after missing a month, that playing two [rehab] games is going to do it," said Prado, who is likely to play five or six minor-league games before he's activated. Prado last played June 7 and had surgery June 10 to remove staph infection from his right calf. He was cleared to begin working out last week,"
July 5
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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After bounding up and down stadium stairs in the afternoon heat Monday at Turner Field, Martin Prado said he's ready to start a rehab assignment and still hoped to rejoin the Braves in time to face the Phillies next weekend before the All-Star break. The left fielder is recovering from staph-infection surgery and did not appear slowed by the still-healing incision on his right calf, which was wrapped tightly as he worked out on the field – and on the stairs. "Just trying to get my strength back, because I feel like I'm ready [to play]," said Prado, who's been on the DL four weeks. "I've been getting tired so fast. Today was actually better. Way better. I feel good physically."
July 4
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Braves left fielder Martin Prado said Sunday he needed a couple more days before he'll be ready to start a minor league rehabilitation assignment in his return from staph infection surgery. Prado said the wound on his right calf still hasn't closed yet. "It's almost closed," he said. The Braves had hoped Prado might be able to head out on assignment as early as Monday, play four games, and be ready to come off the disabled list for the weekend series in Philadelphia before the All-Star break. That looks less likely at this point. Prado needs the wound to heal completely before he can play. He's been taking batting practice since Friday without incident and said it was a matter of getting"
July 3
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Braves left fielder Martin Prado said Sunday he needed a couple more days before he'll be ready to start a minor league rehabilitation assignment in his return from staph infection surgery. Prado said the wound on his right calf still hasn't closed yet. "It's almost closed," he said. The Braves had hoped Prado might be able to head out on assignment as early as Monday, play four games, and be ready to come off the disabled list for the weekend series in Philadelphia before the All-Star break. That looks less likely at this point."
June 26
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Left fielder Martin Prado made significant progress the past two days in his recovery from staph-infection surgery, and the Braves said there's a chance he could return before the All-Star break. The incision has nearly healed from the June 10 procedure on his right calf, and Prado started hitting baseballs off a tee at Turner Field on Friday. When the incision is completely closed, perhaps within a few days, he will be cleared to begin running and other baseball activities. Prado had surgery to clean out staph infection from his calf along with a small area of his left knee. Incisions typically require two to three weeks to heal. Incisions are not stitched but left open following"
June 25
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Tommy Hanson was to throw a side session in the bullpen just before Friday's game at San Diego, his first time throwing from the mound since going on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder tendinitis. He is scheduled to start Tuesday at Seattle, the first day Hanson is eligible to come off the DL. He had no discomfort the day after a flat-ground throwing session Wednesday, and went into Friday's session confident. "Everything's good," said Hanson (8-4), whose 2.48 ERA ranked second in the league before Friday, behind teammate Jair Jurrjens' 2.11. "I don't think there's going to be any problems. I think it's fine. It was just inflammation and it went down. I don't think it's going to come"
June 21
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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When Martin Prado saw the doctor in the Braves parking lot waiting for him at 1 a.m., that's when the gravity of the situation really began to sink in for the hard-nosed left fielder. Prado had a staph infection in his right leg that was worsening, and he was told by a Miami doctor June 9 that he needed to return to Atlanta and get it treated right away. He left the team and caught a flight home that night. Dr. Gary Lourie, the Braves' orthopaedic specialist, performed a surgical procedure at 7 a.m. the next morning to remove infection from his lower right leg and left knee. The infection had spread to a contusion on the knee. "The doctor [in Miami] said this is something you don't want to"
June 19
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Braves could have third baseman Gonzalez said he couldn't give a date for Prado's expected return because the doctors aren't certain. Staph-infection wounds are left open after surgery, and usually take 2-3 weeks to heal. Prado had surgery June 10. "You've got to let that incision to heal completely before you can do anything," Gonzalez said. "You've got to wait for that incision to heal, then however long it takes him to get back in shape, how he feels coming back from that infection, his strength and all that kind of stuff." "We want everything cut-and-dried, but I don't want to try to guess. I don't know. I really can't tell you…. He hasn't done anything. With Jason [Heyward], his"
June 11
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Left fielder Martin Prado landed on the 15-day disabled list Friday for a staph infection in his right calf, the latest in a string of Braves injuries that's put the entire opening-day outfield on the DL. Prado returned to Atlanta and had the infection cleaned out in a surgical procedure by Dr. Gary Lourie on Friday. "They sliced him, and he's got to heal from the inside-out," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "They pumped him with antibiotics…. I think it was caused by a strawberry, from a slide. "I didn't realize, until watching him, how much pain [staph infection] causes." Prado joined right fielder Jason Heyward (shoulder) and center fielder Nate McLouth (oblique) on the team's"
May 30
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
After Martin Prado put the Braves ahead with his bat Sunday night, he kept them there with his arm. The left fielder hit a two-run homer in the sixth inning, and then threw out a runner at the plate in the eighth inning to prevent the tying run from scoring in a 2-1 Braves win against the Cincinnati Reds at Turner Field. Jair Jurrjens (7-1) pitched eight strong innings to lower his majors-leading ERA to 1.51, and the Braves won the series 2-1 and gained a game on Philadelphia and Florida in the National League East standings. "Oh, [Prado] won the game," Jurrjens said. "Big two-run home run and throw the guy out at home. He's the one that won the game for us." The Braves are 3-1/2 games"
May 26
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Martin Prado was out of the lineup for the first time all season Wednesday for what he characterized as just a day off to rest his body. Prado fouled a ball off his foot on Tuesday night but said Wednesday there was no specific injury bothering him. "Some days you don't feel well, (like) my body is not responding," Prado said. "But I'm still playing and doing my best. But players sometimes get mentally get tired. It's not just physical.""
April 5
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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After hitting plenty of line drives right at defenders in the first two games, Martin Prado has hit some where they couldn't be caught in the past two. The Braves' leadoff hitter is 5-for-9 with two doubles, a home run and a sacrifice fly in the past two games, after going 0-for-9 in the first two. "It's been more than the last couple," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "That second game in the Washington series, he went 0-for-5 and hit the ball harder than anybody in the whole series." At Milwaukee's Miller Park, Prado is only 9-for-35 (.257), but with three home runs and 11 RBIs in nine games. He hit a grand slam last May in the Brewers' retractable-roof stadium."
April 4
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Martin Prado, hitless over the the first two games of the Braves season, felt a little like a caged animal Sunday. Not only did it drive the Braves All-Star leadoff hitter crazy to go 0-for-9 in the Braves first two games against the Nationals, but the indoor batting cage is where Prado could be found before batting practice Sunday morning. Alone in the cages behind the visitors' dugout in Nationals Park, Prado was locked in, head phones on, hitting off a tee. He willed himself into a 3-for-5 day Sunday in the Braves 11-2 win, with two doubles, and an RBI. "I was going after it," Prado said. "During BP I was like, 'I've got to go after it. So I'm not going to think about whether they're"
February 17
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Three days from the first full-squad workout, all but a few projected members of the Braves' 25-man roster were not only present and accounted for, but already in camp and working out. That's a good sign for any manager, and certainly for first-year Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez. He's liked all he's seen during the past two days of workouts for pitchers, catchers, players rehabbing from injuries and - unofficially - anyone else who wants to be here early. A lot of guys wanted to be here early. During this morning's workout spread across four fields, a couple of us ran through the list and realized that the only projected major-league roster members not already in camp were right fielder"
February 16
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
In all honesty, Martin Prado wasn't thrilled over being moved from second base to left field to accommodate Dan Uggla after the Nov. 16 trade for the Marlins slugger. Here was Prado, an All-Star in his first season as a Braves lineup regular in 2010. Now the former utility infielder was being switched to the outfield, where he'd played only sparingly in the majors and winter ball. Also, he got the news while rehabbing from the hip pointer and torn oblique muscle that ended Prado's season on Sept. 27 and kept him out of the postseason. "I mean, when they talked to me, it was hard for me," Prado said after his solo workout Monday morning at Braves camp, on the day pitchers and catchers"
February 15
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
In all honesty, Martin Prado wasn't thrilled over being moved from second base to left field to accommodate Dan Uggla after the Nov. 16 trade for the Marlins slugger. Here was Prado, an All-Star in his first season as a Braves lineup regular in 2010. Now the former utility infielder was being switched to the outfield, where he'd played only sparingly in the majors and winter ball. Also, he got the news while rehabbing from the hip pointer and torn oblique muscle that ended Prado's season on Sept. 27 and kept him out of the postseason. "I mean, when they talked to me, it was hard for me," Prado said after his solo workout Monday morning at Braves camp, on the day pitchers and catchers"
January 18
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Braves pitcher Jair Jurrjens and second baseman-turned-left fielder Martin Prado each saw their salaries soar from under $500,000 to more than $3 million when they agreed to terms on one-year deals Tuesday and avoided going to arbitration. Relief pitchers Peter Moylan and Eric O'Flaherty were the only remaining unsigned arbitration-eligible Braves. The team was still hopeful of reaching settlements with them before Tuesday's deadline to either sign such players or swap salary-arbitration figures. If no settlement is reached, arbitration hearings are scheduled for the first three weeks in February. Teams can continue to negotiate with any unsigned player up until his hearing. Prado, 27, an"
November 18
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Already plenty antsy from nearly seven weeks of medical-mandated rest, Martin Prado had a position switch and the trade of a friend added to his things-to-think-about list Tuesday. The All-Star second baseman, recovering from a season-ending torn oblique muscle and hip pointer, was told Tuesday he'd be moving to left field after the Braves traded for second baseman Dan Uggla. The Braves traded reliever Mike Dunn and infielder Omar Infante - Prado's close friend and Venezuelan countryman - to the Marlins for Uggla. General manager Frank Wren told Prado the news about the trade and position swithc, and that he would play third if Chipper Jones has setbacks in his return from knee surgery or"
September 30
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Martin Prado had a feeling long before Tuesday's MRI that his hip injury was more than simply a hip pointer. He was diagnosed with both a hip pointer and a torn external oblique muscle Tuesday, which will require two months of inactivity and therefore end his season. "I was in so much pain; I never experienced a lot of pain before like that," Prado said. "I knew there was something wrong with me." Prado had been playing through a broken pinky finger and a strained groin muscle. But this injury was much more serious after two diving plays at third base on Monday and a pop as he swung at a pitch in the fifth inning."
September 29
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
As bad as it looked when Martin Prado went down clutching his left hip Monday, the news only got worse on Tuesday. An MRI taken revealed not only had Prado suffered a hip pointer but a torn external oblique muscle as well. So not only will he miss the rest of the season but the postseason, if the Braves make it as the National League wild card team. Doctors determined he will need two months of rest before he even begins rehabilitation. Many consider Prado to be the Braves' most valuable player this season, batting .307 with 15 home runs, a team-high 40 doubles, and 66 RBIs in an All-Star season. When the Braves were struggling at leadoff, Prado took over and hit .322 in the leadoff spot."
September 28
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Tommy Hanson pitched a gem and the Braves got a much-needed 2-1 win on Omar Infante's 11th-inning single, but seeing Martin Prado leave after collapsing in pain from a hip injury put a damper on things Monday night at Turner Field. Infante's two-out hit to left field gave the Braves their majors-leading 25th win in their final at-bat, and more importantly moved them a half-game ahead of San Diego in the National League wild-card race on a night when Philadelphia clinched the NL East title. "A great finish," said manager Bobby Cox, whose Braves reclaimed the wild-card lead after the Padres lost late Monday to the Chicago Cubs. "We had great pitching all night, a great game from Tommy"
September 23
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Martin Prado is playing with a sore groin, but said he'd use neither it nor the pinkie finger he broke on July 30 as an excuse for his recent offensive struggles. The Braves third baseman and No. 3 hitter was batting .247 with no homers, 11 RBIs and a .284 on-base percentage in his past 23 games before Wednesday, and was 5-for-31 (.161) with one extra-base hit and one RBI in his past eight games. "I've pushed through this before," said Prado, who has played through previous groin injuries. "I don't have any excuses. I don't want to rest. I don't have that in my mind right now." He knows some outside observers have suggested he be dropped in the batting order or benched until healthy, but"
September 12
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Most infielders would look at a .301 average with two homers and 19 RBIs over the past 19 games and think, hey, I'm doing my job. Particularly if playing in pain from a finger that was broken only six weeks ago. Not Martin Prado. He's a different cat. Listen to his explanation for the reaction after his game-tying RBI double in the sixth inning Friday, when he popped up at second base, clapped his hands and shouted excitement with an intense look on his face that said, let's do this. "The last two weeks, I wasn't feeling right in the batter's box," Prado said after Friday's 8-6 win over the Cardinals, when the Braves scored six runs in the sixth inning. "Tonight I got excited because, for"
August 18
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
columnist Jeff Schultz
"
After missing 16 games with a fracture in his right hand, Martin Prado returned to the Braves' lineup Tuesday night and led the team with three hits, three runs scored, a double and two RBI. "Don't you just want to punch him right in the stomach?" cracked teammate Matt Diaz. Here's another thought: How about just handing him an MVP trophy? There's little question that Prado is the Braves' most valuable player. When he returned from the disabled list with a fracture in his right pinkie and led the Braves in their 10-2 victory over the Washington Nationals, he started at third base (vacated by the injured Chipper Jones) and batted third (also Jones' spot). The significance was kind of"
August 17
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Martin Prado looked major-league ready Monday night after a rehab assignment game for the Gwinnett Braves. Prado went one for four in the game with the Norfolk Tides. He stroked a line-drive single in the first inning, but then hit weak grounders the rest of the game. He exited in the seventh inning. But Monday was nothing more than a test for Prado's left pinky and a chance for him to start getting back into the hitting groove. The Braves likely will activate him today. "I expected it would be sore, but I felt pretty comfortable," Prado said. "It's definitely better and I'm so glad it is better than when I first took batting practice Friday. I'd say it's 90 percent. They told me I was"
August 16
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Martin Prado is set to play his first rehab game Monday night at Triple-A Gwinnett, and it might just be the only game he needs before rejoining the big club. The All-Star second baseman has been out since breaking his right pinkie July 30 while sliding headfirst into home plate at Cincinnati. He isn't expected to play more than one or two games at Gwinnett before returning to the Braves' lineup. He could play plenty at third base when he returns, if the Braves leave Omar Infante at second. Prado might play some at both positions, with Brooks Conrad getting some starts at third base."
August 15
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Martin Prado's pinky felt much better Saturday hitting in the indoor cages, and he said if it responds well Sunday, he thought he would be ready for a rehabilitation game Monday in Gwinnett. Prado had taken his first live batting practice Friday and felt discomfort. But a day later, he was much more encouraged. "It went good," Prado said. "I'm so much happier today that I could swing at least like 90 percent, and I didn't change anything in my swing; that was me swinging. I'm glad." Prado said he would let the at-bats Monday in Gwinnett determine if he needs another rehabilitation game. But a best-case scenario would have him back in the Braves lineup Wednesday or Thursday against the"
August 12
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Martin Prado is close to returning from a broken right pinkie, which he'll test during live batting practice Friday. The All-Star second baseman is eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list Sunday, but it might be early in the week before he's activated. "I don't know if he's going to be a part of the series against the Dodgers or not," said Braves manager Bobby Cox, who indicated Prado could play before the four-game home series with the Dodgers ends Monday."
August 10
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Martin Prado isn't certain if he'll be ready to play as soon as he's eligible to come off the disabled list Sunday, but he will be in great condition regardless. The All-Star second baseman, who is on the 15-day DL recovering from a broken finger, has so much pent-up energy that he's been doing 40 minutes of high-intensity cardio work every day, in addition to baseball drills. "It's hard for me to go to sleep if I don't do it," said Prado, known for his and tireless work habits. "I do the bike, running, shagging fly balls in the outfield…. I've been anxious to get back out there since the day I got hurt." He broke his right pinkie when it stuck in a divot at home plate when he slid"
August 3
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
The Braves placed All-Star second baseman Martin Prado on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured right pinkie Monday. Prado was informed of the move following batting practice before the series opener against the New York Mets. "I was expected it," Prado said minutes after meeting with Cox. "It's better to have someone here who is 100 percent than me just sitting on the bench." Prado had more X-rays on Monday and saw team hand specialist Dr. Gary Lourie. Prado said there is a piece of bone on the tendon in the finger that is causing pain. "They're waiting for the swelling to go down to see how the tendon will react," said Prado, who added he won't wear a cast so he can ice the finger"
August 1
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Braves second baseman Martin Prado has a fractured right pinky and will miss at least one week and possible require a stint on the 15-day disabled list. The news could have been a lot worse for the Braves, who feared their All-Star leadoff man might be out a lot longer after he was hurt sliding head-first at home plate in the 10th inning of Friday's 6-4 win against the Cincinnati Reds. "There was a hole right beside home plate," Prado said Saturday. "My finger stuck in it. I didn't see the hole. I was just trying to reach for home plate, and that finger stuck in the hole. That's when I felt the pain. "I felt it. I knew it was going to be something … not normal. It was not normal pain.""
June 20
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
We're pretty certain of two things regarding Martin Prado and the upcoming All-Star Game: 1. He's going to make the NL team (if he doesn't, an investigation's in order), and 2. there will not be a more modest All-Star in Anaheim. For those who've not picked up on it, Prado is remarkably humble. Seriously, you talk to him 10 minutes and you feel fortunate to even get him to acknowledge he's a pretty good hitter. Much less a serious contender for a batting title. "I don't think I'm prepared this year for that," Prado told me a little over a week ago in Arizona. "Too much pressure." To clarify, Prado didn't mean he'd crack under pressure. He just meant there are too many other good hitters"
June 9
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Martin Prado's 12-game hitting streak was placed on pause mode Tuesday by Braves manager Bobby Cox, who kept the second baseman out of the lineup against Arizona to rest a nagging hand injury. Cox didn't intend of keeping the National League batting leader out more than one day, though. He knew Prado would probably be upset if he did. It was only the second time Prado hadn't started in 59 Braves games this season. "He doesn't want to" sit, Cox said. "He plays hurt. I'll give him one [day off], that's all." Cox said that with a tone of admiration, like he uses whenever discussing one of his favorite players, which Prado clearly is. "He knows how to play with that kind of [nagging injury],""