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The Tomahawk Times - Braves deal for infielder Norton, Prado to DL
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ATLANTA -- Seeking a power bat to come off the bench, the Atlanta Braves acquired veteran infielder Greg Norton from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for a player to be named later and cash considerations on Monday. Atlanta was also forced to place infielder Marin Prado on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right thumb.
Injured during a head-first slide in Sunday's 14-7 win over the Cincinnati Reds, Prado was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a grade 1-2 sprain of his left thumb. Though he will not require surgery, Prado's left hand will be placed in a cast. He is expected to be sidelined for 6-8 weeks.
Norton is a 12-year Major League veteran who began his career with the Chicago Cubs. Two seasons ago, he enjoyed perhaps the best season of his career as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, hitting .296 with 17 homers and 45 RBI in 98 games.
This season, Norton was given a minor league contract and an opportunity to make the Mariners club. He was brought up from Triple-A Tacoma on April 11 and has hit .438 (7-for-16) with four RBI in six games.
Seattle then designated the 35-year old Norton for assignment on April 30, when the club decided to bring up highly regarded prospects Jeff Clement and Wladimir Balentien. Outfielder Brad Wilkerson was also designated to help make room for the young duo.
The Braves have also been awaiting the return of utility man Omar Infante, who is still on a rehab assignment as he work to come back from a broken wrist suffered over the winter.
He's going to be "Designated" as a pinch-hitter in Atlanta. Mark Teixeira will insure that Norton's "brutal hatchetry" is not on daily display.
I get a press release from the team that says infielder. I check his positional chart for his career and he plays first base. That's the infield. That's where he's going to play. Thanks for the lovely feedback.