Chicago, IL (My Sportsbook) - After an MRI and x-ray earlier in the day showed no ligament damage to the right elbow of Chicago Cubs pitcher Mark Prior, a bone scan late Friday revealed an irritated lining of the bone.

Prior, who left Thursday night's start against Milwaukee in the second inning with what was feared to be major ligament damage, is now expected to throw on the side Saturday and may not miss a start.

Earlier on Friday, an MRI and x-ray ruled out any structural damage in the pitcher's throwing elbow said general manager Jim Hendry before the Cubs' afternoon game at Wrigley Field.

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.

Prior is next slatted to take the hill on Tuesday when the Cubs host the NL Central leading St. Louis Cardinals.