Prior Starting to Look Ready

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jun 14, 2006 10:24PM

Will Cubs fans soon see Mark Prior back on the mound at Wrigley Field? Could it actually be true? Prior's return to the Cubs roster seems to be near following last night's rehab start with the AAA Iowa Cubs.

Prior threw 90 pitches in his 6 2/3 innings, allowing just 4 hits and 1 unearned run while striking out 10. He certainly seems about ready.

His fastball topped out in the 91-92 range, but he figures to be able to reach the mid-90's once his stamina returns.

His return to the rotation cannot come too soon for the Cubs, who've used 10 different starting pitchers already. With the exception of Carlos Zambrano, and Greg Maddux during April, none have pitched very well.

Prior will return to Chicago today, and meet with club officials about the next step. Chicagoist believes that if he feels pretty good recovering from the start, he could be added to the roster before the end of the weekend. Barring any setbacks. Oops, did we just jinx him?