Prior Returns to Rotation

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Apr 12, 2005 6:45PM

Like last year, when the Cubs opened their season they were without Mark Prior in their rotation -- at least this time he only missed 7 games. Prior rejoins the roster when he starts against the San Diego Padres tomorrow in the first game of a double header. He'd been scheduled to go today, but the game was cancelled becuase of rain.

Cubs fans anxiously wait to see whether Prior's healthy or whether they're in for another emotional roller coaster that rises and falls with the health of his arm. This year's arm trouble began when he experienced elbow inflammation following his first and only Cactus League outing on March 10. After a pain-free -- if unimpressive -- rehab start for the Iowa Cubs last week, Prior is once again ready to take the ball at Wrigley. How long he'll remain healthy enough to stay in the rotation is anybody's guess. But the Cubs' success this year is likely tied to his arm.