Mark Prior makes successful debut with Triple-A RedHawks

Rangers pitcher Mark Prior struck out two batters in a scoreless inning of work in his season debut with the Oklahoma City RedHawks. Prior is fully healthy and has been pitching in the Independent Leagues for a little over a month now. 

Prior stranded the bases loaded after allowing a pair of singles and walking a batter in the fourth inning of Oklahoma City's 9-1 loss to the Omaha Royals. It was the first game for the former first-round draft pick and All-Star pitcher after signing a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers. 

The Rangers are calling it a long-term move but I wouldn't be surprised to see him make an appearance or two at the end of the season, as a showing of good faith and rewarding the now healthy pitcher.

Prior, an All-Star in 2003, is 42-29 in five seasons with the Cubs.