Mark Prior encouraged by his work

The Padres right-hander, and often injured Mark Prior has been encouraged by how his throwing sessions have gone thus far.

Prior hasn't started throwing to hitters yet, but he says he's happy with the way he's been throwing. He doesn't quite have the movement or velocity he's had in years past, but like Greg Maddux, velocity isn't everything.

Team trainers as well as the Padres' coaching staff will decide when Prior will start seeing live hitting.

Prior is expected to miss the entire month of April, but could be back the first part of May, which means the Padres could get both Prior and Hensley back at the same time.