MESA, Ariz. -- Mark Prior probably won't pitch until May because of inflammation in his right Achilles' tendon and a stiff elbow.
I'd say May 1 or the first week of May is optimistic," Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said Tuesday. "He's a guy that I don't think needs more than three or four weeks to get ready."
Prior, 23, returned to spring training Tuesday after spending Monday in Chicago, where he had an MRI and bone scan on his Achilles' tendon and right arm.
The right-hander has not pitched in a spring training game because of the Achilles' injury and was already expected to start the season on the disabled list.
He's also felt "stiffness" in his pitching elbow. Prior has been throwing off a mound this spring.
The Cubs and Prior said the MRI and bone scan showed nothing but inflammation in the heel and elbow.
"It was completely away from the ligament and was more down on the bone," Prior said, referring to the stiffness in his elbow.
Prior was 18-6 with a 2.43 ERA and 245 strikeouts in his first full big league season last year, finishing third in voting for the NL Cy Young Award.
His absence is a big loss for a stellar staff that also includes Kerry Wood and Greg Maddux.
The Cubs were hoping for a good outing Tuesday from Sergio Mitre, who will replace Prior in the starting rotation.
But Chicago gave up 19 hits in a 16-4 loss to the Seattle Mariners. Mitre allowed eight hits and five runs in four innings.
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I'd say May 1 or the first week of May is optimistic," Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said Tuesday. "He's a guy that I don't think needs more than three or four weeks to get ready."
Prior, 23, returned to spring training Tuesday after spending Monday in Chicago, where he had an MRI and bone scan on his Achilles' tendon and right arm.
The right-hander has not pitched in a spring training game because of the Achilles' injury and was already expected to start the season on the disabled list.
He's also felt "stiffness" in his pitching elbow. Prior has been throwing off a mound this spring.
The Cubs and Prior said the MRI and bone scan showed nothing but inflammation in the heel and elbow.
"It was completely away from the ligament and was more down on the bone," Prior said, referring to the stiffness in his elbow.
Prior was 18-6 with a 2.43 ERA and 245 strikeouts in his first full big league season last year, finishing third in voting for the NL Cy Young Award.
His absence is a big loss for a stellar staff that also includes Kerry Wood and Greg Maddux.
The Cubs were hoping for a good outing Tuesday from Sergio Mitre, who will replace Prior in the starting rotation.
But Chicago gave up 19 hits in a 16-4 loss to the Seattle Mariners. Mitre allowed eight hits and five runs in four innings.
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