The left arm's a little smaller from atrophy, the wrist a little tight — but Omar Infante is finally out of his cast.

The veteran utility man wore a cast nearly two months after breaking his left hand when struck by a pitch during winter ball in January. That's about twice as long as he was originally expected.

Taking advantage of his absence: Martin Prado, hitting .306 with five doubles, eight RBIs and only two strikeouts in 49 at-bats — and showing versatility.

He went 2-for-5 with two doubles and three RBIs and started at shortstop, the third time he has played the position in a week after never previously playing it.

Prado has played extensively at second and third base in the minor leagues and parts of two seasons with the Braves, and has corner-outfield experience in the minors and winter ball.

Infante said it would be a week or two before he could start hitting. He's expected to spend April on the disabled list.

"I want to be ready to play in April," said Infante, who has never been put on the disabled list in six major-league seasons and feels frustrated he can't play yet for his new team.

The Braves acquired him from Chicago along with left-handed reliever Will Ohman in the Dec. 4 trade for rookie reliever Jose Ascanio.

Infante's absence has created a big void, because he plays three infield positions and center field. Cox might use a combination of Prado and rookie Brent Lillibridge, who also has played new positions in the past week.

Lillibridge played third base last week for the first time in his career, and Saturday he played second after not working there all spring.
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