ATLANTA (Reuters) - The Atlanta Braves will be without All-Star infielder Martin Prado for the rest of the season due to an injury, dealing a major blow to the team's hopes of clinching their first playoff spot in five years.
Prado suffered a torn oblique muscle during Atlanta's 2-1 win over the Florida Marlins on Monday and will require at least two months of rehab, the Braves said on their website (atlanta.braves.mlb.com) on Tuesday.
The second baseman was injured when he made a diving catch in the fourth inning and landed on his hip. In the next inning when he hit a ball back to the mound, Prado went to the ground after taking a couple steps out of the batter's box.
Prado, who was hitting .307 with 15 homers and 66 RBIs on the season, will require at least two months of rehab.
The loss of Prado is a major blow to the Braves, who are vying for their first post-season appearance since 2005 and hold a slim lead over the San Diego Padres in the National League wildcard race with four games remaining.
(Reporting by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Frank Pingue)