TAMPA, Fla. — Yankees right-hander Mark Prior says he is scheduled to pitch in a rookie-level Gulf Coast League game on Friday, two days after being hit on the left forearm by a ball during batting practice.

The forearm was bruised by a liner near the wrist while Prior threw BP Wednesday. He played catch on Thursday.

Prior has made just one minor league appearance because of a strained groin and back soreness since pitching April 18 at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Prior has struggled with shoulder injuries and made his previous major league appearance in August 2006. The 30-year old went 18-6 with a 2.43 ERA in 30 starts for the NL Central champion Chicago Cubs in 2003.