Braves Country got some big news this afternoon regarding their talented left fielder, Martin Prado. First came this tweet from MLB.com's Mark Bowman:
Martin Prado is running the stairs at Turner Field now. Will update you later about when he might start his rehab assignment. #Braves
Prado took batting practice all weekend and didn't have any set backs. Cleared to begin full workouts, we got another update from the AJC's David O'Brien:
#Braves' Prado said he needs to get about 30 at-bats somewhere, anywhere, before returns from DL. Still hopes to play at Philly next wkend
It might be a challenge to get Prado 30 at-bats before the Phillies series on Friday unless he's OK with taking some against a Braves bullpen pitcher or two, but he'll likely play at least two games for the Gwinnett or MIssissippi Braves before contemplating a return to Atlanta this weekend. With there being a four-day break after this weekend's series, perhaps Prado could play a few rehab games, return for the Phillies series, and then return to the Minor Leagues once to get a few more at-bats in before resuming play in Atlanta the following weekend against the Nationals.
UPDATE 6/5: 4:00pm:
Prado will be checked out by team doctors Wednesday morning and hopes to be cleared to begin his rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett.