Prior Still Unsure About His Return

The Chicago Cubs are unsure when Mark Prior might be ready to pitch.

Unable to pitch during exhibition games because of a sore Achilles’ tendon and tender elbow, Prior has been throwing long toss in the outfield. But the right-hander, 18-6 with a 2.43 earned-run average last season, isn’t ready to throw off a mound.

“I wish I could tell you there is a date, but nobody knows, including me,” Manager Dusty Baker said Monday.

Prior said Sunday that he didn’t know when his arm would be in shape to throw from the mound.

“I want to get on the mound, but I know long toss is better to get my arm in shape right now,” he said. “It’s more of a gut thing. I just know it’s not strong enough.”

Chicago is being cautious with its 23-year-old star, who was instrumental in getting them within five outs of the World Series.

General Manager Jim Hendry said the team hopes Prior can return by early to mid-May.

*

The New York Mets were missing four regulars from their lineup in their home opener against the Atlanta Braves.

Left fielder Cliff Floyd was put on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained right quadriceps. He was hurt while legging out an infield single Sunday against the Montreal Expos.

Mike Piazza was out of the lineup because of a sore right elbow after a collision with Peter Bergeron at first base Sunday.

The Mets were already without second baseman Jose Reyes because of a strained right hamstring, and right fielder Karim Garcia because of a broken left ring finger.

*

Brian Jordan took batting practice on the field, but the injured outfielder is still at least one more week from playing his first game for the Texas Rangers.

It was Jordan’s first time hitting on the field since he went on the disabled list because of a sprained left knee during spring training.

“Getting back on the field was great, I felt good,” Jordan said. “I just hope to continue the progress, and next week, hopefully, I’m rehabbing.”

Jordan had season-ending surgery to repair a tendon in his left knee in July with the Dodgers.

*

The Minnesota Twins signed veteran left-hander Terry Mulholland in hopes of strengthening their bullpen.

Mulholland will join the Twins today. He was cut by Seattle before the start of the regular season after appearing in 10 spring training games. He was 3-1 with a 4.05 ERA and one save.