Prior throws off mound; mid-May still targeted for return

[WebHamster]

Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Mark Prior threw off a mound on Wednesday for the first time in nearly a month.

Prior threw just 10 pitches off the mound and threw some in the outfield before the Cubs' 8-3 win over Pittsburgh at Wrigley Field. Prior has been on the disabled list since the beginning of the season due to a sore Achilles tendon and right elbow.

The club still hopes that Prior will be ready to return to action in mid-May, despite the righthander missing most of spring training and not throwing off a mound since March 22.

Fortunately for the Cubs, Prior could be ready for a late-May showdown against division-rival Houston if he stays on schedule. Chicago travels to the Astros for a two-game set on May 25, which will be the first series between the two clubs this year.

Prior went 18-6 with a 2.43 ERA in 2003 and owns a 24-12 career record.