News
Infielders endure painful night
Prado hit by liner during BP; Escobar exits after plunking
By Mark Bowman / MLB.com
07/31/09 12:41 AM ET
MIAMI -- When Martin Prado was drilled on the left ankle by a line drive during batting practice at Land Shark Stadium on Thursday night, it marked the start of a painful evening for Braves middle infielders.After his team claimied a 6-3, 10-inning win over the Marlins, Braves manager Bobby Cox said that he didn't know when Prado and shortstop Yunel Escobar, who left the game after being plunked on the right wrist, would be able to return to the lineup. But both infielders said they hoped to return for this weekend's series against the Dodgers.
Prado suffered a contusion above his left ankle when he was hit with Matt Diaz's line drive. Escobar was drilled in the second inning by Florida starter Rick VandenHurk and remained in the game -- scoring a run on Casey Kotchman's two-run double -- before exiting.
The Braves opted to X-ray Escobar's injury and were relieved to find that he was simply suffering from a painful contusion. With his hand heavily taped after the game, the 26-year-old shortstop said that he hoped to miss just a couple of games.
Because Prado didn't get hit directly on his ankle bone, the Braves opted not to X-ray his injury. With his ankle heavily taped, Prado was able to walk around the clubhouse after the game without much discomfort. While he said that he was hopeful to play on Friday, he'll also likely miss a couple of games.
Diaz's liner just happened to strike Prado as he was lifting his left foot while taking feeds at second base. The second baseman's ankle proved to be exposed just enough beyond the protective screen that was placed in front of him.
Prado, who has served as a spark since becoming an everyday member of the lineup on June 30, was scheduled to have the night off, while Kelly Johnson started at second base during the series finale against the Marlins.
When reporters asked Prado who had hit the ball, Johnson, who started the season as the everyday second baseman, playfully quipped, "It wasn't me, guys."
Mark Bowman is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
