Prior Sharp in Triple-A Rehab Start

Mark Prior struck out 10 and gave up three hits and two runs in 5 1/3 innings for the triple-A Iowa Cubs against Oklahoma in Des Moines.

Prior, recovering from an inflamed right Achilles’ tendon and sore right elbow, has been on the Chicago Cubs’ disabled list all season. He struck out six of the first seven batters and threw 79 pitches.

“I felt I was my normal self,� he said. “I felt good. I think that’s the most important thing, I felt good. I feel like if I need to take the next step, I could do it right now.

“I think today was the first time that I felt as good as I did last year in competitive pitching. I was working the ball the way I wanted to. I was doing things.�

This rehab start was Prior’s third in the minors. His first two were at Lansing (Mich.) in the Class-A Midwest League.

Prior flew to Chicago immediately after the game and will meet today with Cub President Andy MacPhail, General Manager Jim Hendry, Manager Dusty Baker and the training staff to determine his next step.

If they decide he’s ready to return to the big leagues, Prior would pitch at Wrigley Field this weekend against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

*

The Montreal Expos put outfielder Carl Everett on the 15-day disabled list and activated right-hander Tony Armas Jr.

Everett, who returned from a right shoulder injury on May 18, went on the disabled list for the second time this season because of a sprained left ankle.

Armas will make his first start in more than a year Tuesday against the Braves at Atlanta.

He was sidelined during spring training because of a strained muscle in his right side as he recovered from season-ending shoulder surgery on May 23, 2003.

*

Cincinnati right-hander Paul Wilson skipped his scheduled start against the Montreal Expos because of a strained right groin.

Wilson suffered the injury during his last outing, a 5-2 victory over Florida on Tuesday.

Wilson, 7-0 with a 3.34 earned-run average in 10 starts, is tied with Houston’s Roger Clemens -- also 7-0 -- for the majors’ longest winning streak this season.