Prior may start season in minor leagues

MESA, Ariz. -- Manager Lou Piniella made it official Tuesday: Wade Miller will be the Chicago Cubs' fifth starter -- meaning one-time 18-game winner Mark Prior could start the season in the minor leagues.

"He's going be our fifth starter, OK?" Piniella said of Miller. "He's pitched well in camp. He's earned a spot."

Miller, who had shoulder surgery after the 2005 season with the Red Sox, appeared in five games with the Cubs last season. But this spring he's 2-0 with a 3.63 ERA in five starts. The right-hander was 16-8 and 15-4 in 2001 and 2002 with the Astros.

Prior, meanwhile, has made just three appearances this spring and is 0-2 with a 9.82 ERA, although he pitched well last week, allowing one a run in four innings.

With Kerry Wood nursing a sore shoulder and likely to start the season on the disabled list, the Cubs will open without the two pitchers who led them to within five outs of the World Series in 2003.

Prior is scheduled to pitch today, and Piniella said a decision on his future could be made after the start.

-- AP