Prior Diagnosed With Strain....MRI Results Are In

Updated: 6:03pm C.S.T. - Prior Will Be Shut Down for 7-10 Days

According to a report from the Chicago Tribune, Mark Prior has been diagnosed with a strain in his right shoulder. Here is the entire report from Paul Sullivan released a short while ago:

MESA, Ariz. -- Cubs pitcher Mark Prior was diagnosed with a strain in his right shoulder after an exam by Dr. Lewis Yocum, the Cubs said Thursday. Prior delayed his MRI exam until later in the day, but the Cubs were optimistic that no damage was found in the shoulder during the physical exam. Prior is unlikely to start the season in the rotation and the Cubs will meet with Yocum on Saturday on how to proceed with Prior's rehab.

Check back for updates....this seems to be positive news.

Update....

According to a report on Cubs.com, the MRI results have been released. Here is the diagnosis:

An MRI arthrogram of Mark Prior's right shoulder showed the Chicago Cubs pitcher has a moderate strain to his subscapularis, and he will not require surgery.
Cubs athletic trainer Mark O'Neal said Prior will be shut down from throwing for seven to 10 days. O'Neal will meet with the pitcher, orthopedic specialist Dr. Lewis Yocum and the Cubs medical staff on Saturday to discuss the next phase for Prior. The subscapularis is part of the rotator cuff group of muscles, located under the arm pit behind the pectoralis muscle.

If anything else is released, this post will be updated.

Neil

The last I read, Boston has promised David Wells they would look into a trade to send him back to San Diego. Trevor I really do not see a benefit to the Cubs to acquire Tony Graffiano.

Graffanino's 2005 numbers: .309/7/38 in 110 games .366/.425 - Fielding % - .987 (at 2B)

Career numbers: .268 avg, .336/.394

Walker's 2005 numbers: .305/12/40 in 110 games .355/.474 Fielding % - .985

Career numbers: .290 avg, .348/.441

The rumors are the Cubs are unhappy with Walker's defense, but not his bat. Is Graffanino that much better than Walker? Graffanino can play all of the infield positions, that is the only benefit I see.

Jason B. from AZ

This is why you don't hold on to prospects so tightly...if they don't produce for your big league team, or if there is no spot for them, it is best to trade them while they hold value and can get you a useful player in return.

If Rich Hill was a stock, he would be Enron or Worldcom after the scandals were announced...he hasn't hit bottom yet, but his value is definitely dropping fast!

Trevor

Anyway that we could get Wells and Graffiano for Walker/Hill/Wellmeyer? Just a thought.

Shaun

Rich Hill really needed a good outing...and he didnt get it:

5 hits, 2 walks, Hit Batter, 5 ER, 1 SO.

Of all people he struck out Gurrero.

This could of solidified a spot in the rotation w/the Prior injury if he had a good start.

Could this give Sean Marshall a spot in the rotation?

On the brightside the Cubbies have 9 hits in the first 3 innings.

FYI..wow are we lucky to have Pat and Ron, these Angels announcers are for the birds.

Neil

Cubs got out to a 4-0 lead....great 1st inning. Rich Hill has allowed 5 runs in 2 innings. Cubs are down in the top of the 3rd, 5-4. Hill is not fooling anyone and even the Angels announcers are saying that.