Former Cubs pitcher set to become Dodgers' new pitching coach

Cole Little by Senior Writer -

LOS ANGELES — Former Chicago Cubs pitcher Mark Prior, whose promising career was derailed by injuries, is set to take over as the pitching coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Longtime Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt retired once the Dodgers' 2019 season ended, and Prior was promoted from the bullpen coach to the pitching coach for the 2020 season.

Prior pitched for the Cubs from 2002-06 after being selected second overall by the North Siders in the 2001 MLB Draft. Despite being named an All-Star while manning the Cubs' rotation in 2003, Prior's big-league tenure gradually imploded following the 2003 season because of a litany of injury issues that ultimately spoiled Prior's once-promising career. Despite several comeback attempts, the right-hander never pitched in the majors again after the 2006 season, but his pitching prowess has not been forgotten.

Prior starred for the USC Trojans before becoming a Cub, meaning that he will now have a chance to relive his Los Angeles glory as the Dodgers' pitching coach. Although he has big shoes to fill, as Honeycutt was a highly successful pitching coach in his 14 seasons with the Dodgers, Prior is expected by those within the Dodgers organization to excel.