Last night, Martin Prado was diagnosed with a hip pointer. He suffered the injury on a diving catch at third base, robbing Dan Uggla of an extra base hit. His next time at the dish, Prado hit a tapper back to the pitcher but could barely leave the batter's box due to the injury.
Prado has struggled as of late, but he still has great bat control and a game or two off may have straightened him out. The extended amount of games missed is not exactly what I had in mind.
Brooks Conrad will take over most of, if not all, the duties at third base in Prado's absence. He represents the best replacement overall, considering his defensive and offensive contributions.
Bobby Cox may decide to bat Jason Heyward third in Prado's absence. Other possibilities would be Derrek Lee or Omar Infante, with Nate McLouth moving back to the leadoff spot.