Martin Prado enjoying good health again with the Marlins

The Miami Marlins have to be excited about the fact Martin Prado is enjoying playing baseball again after two injury-filled seasons in South Florida.

After a two-year stint where Miami Marlins veteran infielder Martin Prado played a total of 91 games in the past two seasons, being healthy must feel really good. The infielder who has split time between third and first base this season is enjoying the game and proving to be a solid contributor on a team in need of timely hitting.

Prado, one of the most respected veterans in the game today, hopes his newfound health will last more than a short spurt as had been the case last year and in 2017.

The Marlins love what they see from their player, but they are being cautious just like Prado, himself.

“It’s a different story now,” Prado said. “You get older and your body tells you something else even though your mind is always ready to play every day.”

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The Marlins had given the third base job to Brian Anderson before the start of the 2019 season, but injuries, poor play and Prado’s bat in key situations have changed things a bit for Don Mattingly’s ball club. Prado may know when it is best to slow down, but that does not take away the burning drive he has on the field. It could also mean he has a chance to be the team’s clutch hitter in the most opportune times.

Per Jordan McPherson, “While the sample size is small at just 43 at-bats, Prado leads the team with a .326 batting average and has three doubles, three RBI and four runs as well.”

As long as the Marlins continue their woes at the plate, opportunity for Prado to make an impact will continue to grow. And while he’s on the diamond, helping the younger players adjust to the Major Leagues will continue to be one of things he prides himself at doing.

The Marlins have a future coach or even manager on the field and in the dugout. It’s a nice thing to have given the team’s awful start to the season and so many youngsters trying to adjust to everyday baseball and losing like the team has been doing.

For now, the Marlins will use Prado in key situations, taking into account his recent injury history. But should he continue to hammer out hits and help the team with drive and determination, you could see him get more playing time. Not out of necessity, but rather because he earned it like he as over his career.

So far this season, as McPherson added, “Prado has safely reached base in 12 of the 16 games he has played in this season. He is 3 for 4 with a pair of walks and no strikeouts as a pinch-hitter. He has safely reached base in his last five pinch-hit appearances, which ties the Marlins’ franchise record. He has only struck out five times this year.”