Mark Prior will not be pitching in a Cactus League game the second time through the rotation. After throwing batting practice on Thursday, the next step will be "simulated game likely a few days after that," reports the Chicago Tribune.

(In reading the Trib's notes column, ignore the faux spat between Kerry Wood and Steve Stone. Nothing either of them has said about the other is really a big deal, and would probably sound like an even less deal if you heard, as opposed to read, them saying it.)