MIAMI -- Even in an injury-riddled season, Martin Prado made such a significant impact to the Marlins that on Tuesday the veteran infielder was nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award.
The 34-year-old represents the organization for the prestigious award, which recognizes contributions of players on and off the field.
"I think it's really important," Prado said. "He was a guy who showed how players should be on the field and off the field. He means a lot to me. I know baseball has given me so much stuff that sometimes we can forget where we came from."
Widely respected throughout the Majors for his professionalism, Prado has been one of the leaders of the Marlins since he joined the organization in 2015. The past two seasons, the Venezuela native has dealt with injuries.
Prado on Tuesday was sidelined again, being placed on the 60-day disabled list due to a right abdominal strain. He felt some discomfort on Saturday against the Blue Jays.
The injury ends his 2018 campaign, with Prado appearing in 54 games, batting .244/.287/.305 with one home run and 18 RBIs.
"There were a couple of plays in Saturday's game that I felt something," Prado said. "It wasn't major stuff. I thought I could overcome that the next day. But literally when I came in the next day, I was in so much pain. I thought it was something that could go away."
Also this season, Prado spent time on the disabled list with hamstring and quad strains.
In 2017, he appeared in 37 games, as he battled a left hamstring strain.
Injuries aside, Prado still impressed enough to be nominated for the Clemente Award.
"I think that tells you the impact Martin has in our clubhouse, and the respect that guys have for him, and who he is as a person and a player, and how he works," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. "Everything that he does. It's tougher when guys aren't on the field. He hasn't been on the field that much, and he's still had an impact on our club."
The Clemente Award recognizes players who best represent the game with extraordinary character.
"Being nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award lets everybody know as baseball players we have a chance to help change people's lives off the field," Prado said. "I think it's a really good honor."
Worth noting
• On Tuesday, the Marlins made a series of roster moves. Along with Prado, outfielder/first baseman Garrett Cooper (right wrist) was placed on the 60-day disabled list. The club also reinstated from the disabled list right-hander Elieser Hernandez (blister) and left-hander Jarlin Garcia (bruised right shin). Both are expected to pitch out of the 'pen.
• The Marlins made three more September callups, bumping up the roster to 34. The club recalled from Triple-A New Orleans outfielder Christopher Bostick and selected from Triple-A New Orleans first baseman Peter O'Brien and right-hander Tyler Kinley. O'Brien is from Hialeah, Fla., and attended the University of Miami, and Kinley attended Nova High School and is from Plantation.
• Shortstop JT Riddle (sore left wrist) was scratched from Tuesday's starting lineup. Miguel Rojas got the start at shortstop.