AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > August > 22
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Davies healing, Prado impressing
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
John Smoltz didn’t have the Braves’ only dominating pitching performance Monday night. Kyle Davies was pretty good, too.
Ten days ago, it seemed like Davies was a long way from rejoining the Braves’ rotation. Not any more.
The right-hander, who tore his groin in May and underwent surgery, allowed a run on three hits over seven innings for Class AAA Richmond at Louisville, walking two and striking out three. He threw 85 pitches, 50 for strikes.
It was the second strong outing for Davies, who is scheduled to make one more rehab start for Richmond. In his fourth and final game for Class AA Mississippi, he allowed two runs on four hits over seven innings.
A healthy Davies could be a big boost for the Braves in September, although a wild-card berth still seems like a long shot.
Meanwhile, Martin Prado could be auditioning for time at second base next season. The 22-year-old from Venezuela couldn’t keep Smoltz from losing his no-hit bid in the sixth inning against the Pirates, but he was 2-for-4 with a two-run double.
Giles, out with a hand injury, is a candidate to be traded this offseason and Prado could be a possible replacement, along with Wily Aybar.
Braves manager Bobby Cox was impressed with Prado when he was up with Atlanta for a couple games in April, and Prado certainly looked good again against the Pirates.
