CHICAGO -- Chicago Cubs pitcher Mark Prior threw 10 pitches off the mound Wednesday, the first time he's thrown a ball off the mound since March, and described it as a "baby step, a small step."
It's progress.
"Progress is that I at least had a release point where I had an idea of where the ball is going and the long toss felt pretty good," said Prior, rehabbing from an inflamed right Achilles. "My arm strength is getting closer to where I would like it.
"Obviously, I'm not at a point where I can throw in a game," he said, "but I think I can get on the mound and start moving in the right direction."
Actually, Prior described the speed of his throwing session, his first since March 22, more equivalent to "T-ball speed." The good news is that he doesn't feel much discomfort in his Achilles but admitted he would know more Thursday. The next day is key.
Mark Prior / P
Born: 09/07/80
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 230 lbs
Bats: R / Throws: R
"We're day-to-day but we're going to start mapping out a plan soon," Cubs trainer Dave Groeschner said.
Prior's elbow also passed all tests.
"Occasionally, I feel some tenderness," he said, "but it's not a Tommy John feeling."
The latter is reference to one of the many rumors floating around about Prior's health. A report out of New Jersey had Cubs manager Dusty Baker telling friends that Prior needed Tommy John surgery.
Prior, an 18-game winner last year, said the discomfort he's feeling in his elbow is not worrisome. He underwent a bone scan March 30 which showed no irregularities.
"I'm not worried about it unless it gets to the point where I can't throw," Prior said. "I don't expect to wake up feeling any different (Thursday)."
"I think early on we were too optimistic and it wasn't a true goal. I think it was a little stretch of reality. And then when there was a setback, everybody started wondering what's going on. I think we should've been more upfront that it could take time."
-- Mark Prior
Prior also cautioned that no one should panic if he's not throwing. His arm hasn't fallen off.
"There will be scheduled days off so let's try to stick to the facts and not that I'm flying to Bermuda for vacation," Prior said. "We'll take it slow and not push it. We'll probably play catch (Thursday) and then take a day off. Usually we decide that day or that morning."
All the speculation is nearly as annoying for the 23-year-old Cubs pitcher as not being able to play.
"It's aggravating and it's frustrating," Prior said. "There are a lot of things floated out there that aren't true. It's unfortunate for me and for my teammates. It's unfortunate for my family because a lot of things are being said that aren't true and are being made up.
"It'd be nice if everyone concentrated on physically what am I doing, am I out there throwing, not am I in New Jersey ringing a bell and then flying there and back, and getting Tommy John and throwing today," he said. "If that was the case it'd be the first in medical history."
The problems began when the Cubs predicted Prior could be ready by Opening Day. Then he was to miss his first start. His comeback has continued to be pushed back.
"I think early on we were too optimistic and it wasn't a true goal," Prior said. "I think it was a little stretch of reality. And then when there was a setback, everybody started wondering what's going on. I think we should've been more upfront that it could take time.
"A lot of times there's no black or white answers when it comes to injuries," he said. "It's a gray area. It's still early in the season. I think there's too much hitting the panic button and I think everything will work out fine."
All the concern does have a positive.
"It's nice that everybody worries about me," Prior said. "I've got a lot of secondary moms around."
Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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