By Colleen Kane
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Former Reds pitcher Kent Mercker returned to Cincinnati for Opening Day, this time in the opposing dugout.

Mercker, who was traded to Atlanta by the Reds on Aug. 12, signed with the Chicago Cubs as a free agent on Dec. 18.

On Monday, he pitched one inning, in which the Reds hit two flyouts and one groundout. He combined with Cubs relievers to allow just one hit in four innings.

"The bullpen fell right into place," Cubs manager Dusty Baker said. "(Michael) Wuertz did a great job for us in the sixth in his first appearance. Mercker came in and did an outstanding job for us. (Kyle) Farnsworth came in and was throwing the ball great. And Joe (Borowski) finished it out."

PRIOR WITH CUBS: Pitcher Mark Prior, who was placed on the disabled list because of a sore elbow and Achilles tendon, traveled with the Cubs to Cincinnati and tossed a ball in warmups. Prior said he "felt good, felt positive," and that he probably would stay with the team until he gets in shape to throw in some minor league games.

"Today will be the toughest day of all of them, just because I know I'm not going to pitch for a while," Prior said "Emotions are running high today, whether you're playing or not playing. It's always a big day of the season, the opening day. It's kind of a new beginning, but myself, I just have to wait. It's a little frustrating, but I've done it before, and I'm sure I can handle it again."