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As the AL East race has tightened between the Yankees and Red Sox, the two teams have reportedly reached out to the Miami Marlins for the services of Martin Prado, according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports.
Falling out of contention, Nightengale reports the Marlins are “open for business” as they prepare for a fire sale at this year’s trade deadline. The Marlins currently stand in third place in the NL East, 10 games back of the Nationals.
Prado, 33, has been limited to just 21 games this season due to a hamstring injury, with all of his starts coming at third base despite his history of versatility. He is hitting to a disappointing .277/.299/.398 line with two home runs, nine RBIs, and four doubles. Prado’s numbers are likely to improve with more playing time.
In an AL East race separated by just one game with the Red Sox on top, both teams have had lackluster production from the third base position.
Boston has used a myriad of players at the position with Pablo Sandoval being the most notable, but the production has not been there as he’s hitting just .212/.269/.354 with four homers and 12 RBIs. They recently sent Sandoval to the DL with an ear infection.
The Sox also have the likes of Deven Marrero, Josh Rutledge, and Steve Selsky among others on the 40-man roster, but Prado presents an obvious upgrade with his bat and versatility.
For the Yankees, Chase Headley has been one of the most inconsistent hitters on the team. He is, however, putting together a solid month of baseball in June, hitting to a .311/.404/.405 line. Still, the Yankees have turned to prospects Tyler Wade and now Miguel Andujar to fill in for injuries to Starlin Castro and Matt Holliday, suggesting that they could present themselves as alternatives to Headley at some point if the Yankees do not end up making a trade.
The Yankees acquired Prado at the 2014 trade deadline where he played well in pinstripes. After sending him to Miami that offseason, a reunion may be in order between Prado and the Bronx Bombers.
Brian Cashman has also checked in on Marlins’ first baseman Justin Bour as they search for potential upgrades at the corner infield positions.