Prior, Burke join Padres organization

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Mark Prior, who hasn't pitched in the majors since 2006, signed a one-year, minor-league contract with the San Diego Padres Tuesday.

Prior will get a chance to show his stuff at the Padres' spring training camp.

The Padres also signed infielder Chris Burke to a minor-league deal.

Prior had signed with the Padres before the 2008 season, but didn't pitch and had surgery on his right shoulder in June. He also missed the 2007 season after having surgery on the same shoulder.

His last big-league experience was with the Chicago Cubs during 2006 when he went 1-6 with a 7.21 earned-run average.

Prior was 42-29 with a 3.51 ERA, 757 strikeouts and 223 walks over five years with the Cubs. He held opponents to a .235 average in 106 starts. His best year was 18-6 with a 2.43 earned run average in 2003 when he struck out 245 in 211 1/3 innings.

Burke, who also will get a look from the Padres in spring training, hit .194 in 86 games last season with Arizona. In five seasons with the Diamondbacks and Houston, Burke is a .241 hitter in 445 games.