Martin Prado will return from disabled list after All-Star break

There are a lot of different ways to examine the first half of the 2015 Miami Marlins season, but it could best be summarized in one word: injuries. The club has had four opening day starters, as well as four pitchers from starting rotation, land on the disabled list at some point this season. Recently, Michael Morse made his return from the shelf after spending over a month on the DL, and the Marlins are expecting another starter to make his return later this week.

Dan Jennings told reporters this past Saturday that Prado could have made his return on Sunday, via Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald:

"There's a chance he could be in the lineup (Sunday)," said manager Dan Jennings. "I think Martin's ready. I think his bat's ready."

With just one game before the All-Star break, the club played it safe and decided to hold him out of it. But all indications are that Prado is set to make his return to the lineup in the club's series against the Phillies following the break. The veteran infielder has been on the disabled list since June 15 with a right shoulder sprain. Prado injured his shoulder when he fell on it running to first base while running out a ground ball. In 63 games this season, Prado has posted a batting line of .272/.311/.370 to go along with four home runs and 24 RBI's. He went 3-8 in two rehab games at Triple-A Jupiter.

Before going down with an injury, Prado was a steady hitter in the top of the Marlins' order slotted mostly in the two and four spots of the lineup. He had been subject to some trade rumors as he would garner a good amount of interest from around the league, but the Marlins are said to be keen on holding onto players that they have club control over through this season. Prado has one more year on his deal with an $11 million tag on it, but the Yankees are covering $3 million of it.

When Prado returns to the lineup the Marlins may have to do some shuffling around their infield, especially if Dee Gordon returns around the same time. Derek Dietrich had been doing a proficient job at handing the duties at third base while posting a .295/.368/.525 batting line. The Marlins also brought back Casey McGehee last week, which further crowds the third base position. If the club is confident in Dietrich moving forward then they could look to move Prado, although there is no rush since he is under contract next season. The third base position had been an enigma for the Marlins over the past few seasons and now the club has too much depth.