Yankees to give Prior comeback tryout

NEW YORK, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- One-time Chicago Cubs ace pitcher Mark Prior has signed a minor-league contract with the New York Yankees, the team said Wednesday.

Prior, 30, has received an invitation to attend spring training with the Yankees, where he will be given a chance to make a comeback from shoulder surgeries in 2007 and 2008.

The right-hander hasn't pitched in the major leagues since 2006.

Prior was the second overall selection by the Cubs in the 2002 draft and by the next year was their best pitcher, going 18-6 with a 2.43 ERA in 30 starts while leading Chicago to the National League Championship Series.

He made nine relief appearances for the Orange County Flyers of the independent Golden Baseball League last season before signing with the Texas Rangers and throwing one scoreless inning for Class AAA Oklahoma City in September.