Chicago, IL (My Sportsbook) - Tests on the pitching elbow of Chicago Cubs righthander Mark Prior Friday revealed no ligament damage for the ace. Prior left Thursday night's start against Milwaukee in the second inning with what was feared to be the worst -- major ligament damage. However, an MRI exam and x-ray ruled out any structural damage for the pitcher said general manager Jim Hendry before the Cubs' afternoon game at Wrigley Field. The pitcher will now undergo a bone scan later on Friday to try and determine what is causing the constant discomfort. Prior, who is 2-2 with a 4.06 ERA in eight starts this season, spent much of the first half of the year on the disabled list because of an inflamed right Achilles' tendon and a problem with this same elbow. On Thursday night, it was not clear how Prior injured the elbow. The young fireballer came off the mound to field a soft grounder off the bat of Chad Moeller, but first baseman Derrek Lee fielded the ball instead. Pitching coach Larry Rothschild immediately visited the mound along with Cubs trainer Dave Groeschner, and lefty Glendon Rusch was summoned from the bullpen. Prior gave up one run on a hit and a pair of walks in 1 2/3 innings. |
