Hughes debut moved up

Phil Hughes will be making his major league debut earlier than expected.

A day after getting swept by the Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees said Monday they plan on having their top pitching prospect start Thursday against Toronto.

New York had been saying all spring that Hughes would progress slowly through the system. But after his team dropped four games behind the A.L. East-leading Red Sox, Yankees manager Joe Torre didn’t rule out that the 20-year-old right-hander, taken in the first round of the 2004 amateur draft, might make more than one start.

Hughes is 2-1 with a 3.94 ERA in three starts at Triple-A Scranton, Pa.

Prior to go under knife

Mark Prior’s right shoulder still hurts, and the oft-injured Chicago Cubs pitcher will have surgery today.

Prior will have an exploratory arthroscopic procedure in Birmingham, Ala., Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said. Dr. James Andrews has been given permission for a more extensive operation if he determines it is necessary.

Also, the Cubs put pitcher Wade Miller on the 15-day disabled list with middle back spasms and recalled reliever Rocky Cherry.

Braves finance tickets

The Atlanta Braves are selling ticket packages with 90-day, interest-free financing.

The plan announced is limited to ticket packages worth at least $200.

Willis makes start

Dontrelle Willis prepared to take the mound Monday night as his wife prepared to deliver the couple’s first child.

Before the game, Willis said doctors were expected to soon induce labor.

Clearing the bases

Ken Griffey Jr. was expected back in the Cincinnati Reds’ lineup today after recovering from diverticulitis. … The Oakland Athletics placed Rich Harden on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right shoulder and also put center fielder Milton Bradley (lower back and elbow) on the DL. … The Indians placed third baseman Andy Marte on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring. … The San Diego Padres recalled infielder Oscar Robles from Triple-A Portland.