Prior return in about 4 weeks a possibility
By Paul Sullivan
Tribune staff reporter
June 12, 2005, 11:03 PM CDT

A return around the All-Star break by Mark Prior doesn't seem out of the question after all.

Prior threw off the mound for about five to 10 minutes before Sunday's game, throwing fastballs only. It's the first big step in Prior's comeback from a slight fracture in his right elbow after taking a wicked line drive off the elbow on May 27.

The Cubs are proceeding cautiously with Prior, who maintains there's still some soreness in his elbow. They refuse to give even a tentative timetable on his return because the rehab schedule will be determined by how Prior feels after each throwing session.

There are four weeks remaining until the July 11 All-Star break, meaning Prior has time to get his arm strength back for a return in the second half. Manager Dusty Baker said on June 1 he "hopefully" would have Prior back by the break, a timetable trainer Mark O'Neal labeled as a "goal."


Wow that would be amazing. I didn't expect him back until mid to late August.