The Miami Marlins Need A Healthy Martin Prado At Third

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 05: Martin Prado #14 of the Miami Marlins celebrates a three run home with Corbin Maybin #1 in the second inning during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on July 5, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 05: Martin Prado #14 of the Miami Marlins celebrates a three run home with Corbin Maybin #1 in the second inning during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on July 5, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

It seems like Martin Prado cannot catch a break as a member as the Miami Marlins third baseman once again returns from a trip to the disabled list.

Prado, who is regarded as one of the Miami Marlins veterans in the clubhouse and on the diamond, cannot escape hamstring issues that have plagued him once again this season.

Last year, it was a hamstring situation that sent him to the disabled list, eliminating any potential trade by the Marlins. It was reported both the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox had considered trading for his bat and glove at third base.

Now, back in the lineup, Prado delivered a home run in his first game back in the lineup, a 14-12 loss to the Washington Nationals.

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The health of Prado has to be something the Marlins organization is going to watch closely. His reclaiming of third base means rookie Brian Anderson, who leads the team with 44 RBI this season.

It’s been one wild ride Prado and the Marlins may want to forget.

"“Prado was activated from the disabled list after a six-week absence that marked the latest setback in a frustrating, injury-riddled 16-month span for the Marlins’ 34-year old third baseman,” Andre C. Fernandez wrote in the Miami Herald."

A healthy Prado helps the Miami Marlins lineup, adding another seasoned bit to the top or bottom of the order.

May 25th was the last time Prado was in the team’s lineup and has been dealing with a hamstring injury he suffered in the World Baseball Classic last summer. He suffered a knee injury in July of last season ending his time in the dugout. It took time to heal as well.

Like 2017, Prado began the 2018 season on the disabled list, allowing Anderson to stake his claim to the hot corner. Anderson has delivered – so much so he could be a borderline All-Star as a reserve.

Prado knows this is a long time coming and the comeback is welcomed with a bit of hesitation.

"“At the beginning, we thought it was going to be something longer, but the signs of how quickly I was responding to activities accelerated the process,” Prado said in Fernandez’s story. “Just playing games and stuff I could do faster than the first time dictated that I was ready to go.”"

Now, with the All-Star game only days away, Prado can ease back into his position and facing Major League hitters.  The Marlins hope the hamstring is strong enough for Prado to help this ballclub with timely hitting and a solid glove.

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Prado, was hitting .194 (18 for 93) with no home runs and three RBI in 24 games before he was placed on the disabled list.

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