CHICAGO - The Cubs are unsure when Mark Prior might be ready to pitch this season.
Unable to pitch during spring 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 ERA 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 before the Cubs' home opener.
Baker vehemently denied a Newark Star-Ledger report that Prior might need Tommy John surgery, according to the Chicago Tribune. General manager Jim Hendry said the team hopes Prior can return by mid May.
In other Cubs news, second baseman Mark Grudzielanek is scheduled to have an MRI on his sore right Achilles' tendon today.
Centerfielder Corey Patterson was scratched just before game time with a mild groin strain.
ANGELS: Third baseman Troy Glaus did not start for Anaheim on Monday, a day after he tweaked his left hamstring when he slipped in the mud running the bases.
ASTROS: Left-hander Andy Pettitte, on the disabled list with a strained left elbow, is expected to begin throwing again Thursday.
BRAVES: Leftfielder Chipper Jones (mild right hamstring strain) did not play. ... Manager Bobby Cox said shortstop Rafael Furcal's lower back strain is improving and he might return Wednesday.
GIANTS: Injured closer Robb Nen (rotator cuff tendinitis) threw 25 pitches off the mound and probably will throw again Wednesday. ... Right-hander Jason Schmidt (sore shoulder) threw a 15-minute bullpen session.
METS: Leftfielder Cliff Floyd (strained right quadriceps) was placed on the 15-day disabled list. Outfielder Jeff Duncan was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk. ... Mike Piazza (sore right elbow) was out of the lineup.
PIRATES: First baseman Randall Simon (sore left hamstring) is day to day.
RANGERS: Outfielder Brian Jordan (sprained left knee) took batting practice but is still at least another week from playing.
ROCKIES: Centerfielder Preston Wilson (sore left knee) made only a pinch-hit appearance on Monday.
TWINS: Left-hander Terry Mulholland was signed to strengthen the bullpen, and left-hander Brad Thomas will be designated for assignment. ... Third baseman Corey Koskie did not start Monday because of a stiff back.
