Prior’s return gives highly thought of Cubs a boost while other key players continue to heal

The Chicago Cubs have suffered through a devastating series of injuries that dragged them almost to the bottom of the National League Central standings, but the return of pitcher Mark Prior on Friday might signal the beginning of a major recovery.

Prior, who was 18-6 last year before falling victim to an Achilles’ problem and a sore elbow this spring, finally rejoined the major league rotation and pitched like he had never left. He retired the first 13 batters he faced and struck out eight in six innings without allowing a run.

The Cubs still have Sammy Sosa, Kerry Wood and several other key players sidelined, but it appears the worst is past.

“It’s going to be a tremendous boost (having Prior back every fifth day),” manager Dusty Baker said. “We’ve been waiting on Mark all year long.”

The Cubs had nine players on the DL at one point, the highest number for the franchise since at least 1970, but Prior returned to a team that had fallen only 4 1/2 games behind in the N.L. Central.

Sosa, who has been on the disabled list with a freak back injury brought on by a sneeze, has begun swinging a bat and could be back this week. Wood, on the DL with a sore shoulder, has resumed throwing and hopes to return by the middle of the month.

Relief pitcher Kent Mercker returned from the DL on Friday, and second baseman Mark Gurdzielanek also is close to being activated.

“Every time you get these guys back, it’s like making a trade,” Baker said. “You’re getting quality guys back. I would like to get one back every two or three days.”