The Associated Press

MIAMI - One star Florida right-hander is headed to the disabled list. Another is coming back.

Josh Beckett will be placed on the 15-day disabled list today because of a blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand - a recurring problem that cut short his start against the New York Mets on Sunday and sent him to the disabled list three times in 2002.

Florida is activating A.J. Burnett, who will make his return to the major leagues Thursday on the road against the New York Mets. Beckett's blister didn't dictate the Burnett decision, Marlins manager Jack McKeon said.

"It's tough losing Beckett, there's no question about that," McKeon said. "But, hopefully, you ease the pain by having this guy come back at this particular time."

CUBS: Chicago ace Mark Prior struck out 10 and allowed three hits and two runs in 5 1/3 innings while making a rehab start for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs on Sunday.

Prior, who is recovering from an inflamed right Achilles' tendon and sore right elbow, has been on the disabled list all season.

"I felt I was my normal self," he said. "I felt good. I think that's the most important thing, is I felt good. I feel like if I need to take the next step, I could do it right now."

ANGELS: Raul Mondesi returned to the big leagues Sunday as the newest member of the Angels.

Mondesi, who left the Pittsburgh Pirates earlier this month and had his contract terminated, signed a $1.75 million deal for the remainder of the season. He was immediately put into the injury-depleted starting lineup as the designated hitter, batting sixth.

He went 0-for-2 Sunday with a walk.

"Now everything is getting better, so I decided to sign like 10 days ago. I said I wanted to go back and finish strong," Mondesi said.

Mondesi batted .283 with two homers and 14 RBI in 26 games with the Pirates.

SHORT HOPS: The Expos placed outfielder Carl Everett on the 15-day disabled list Sunday and activated right-hander Tony Armas Jr. Everett has a sprained left ankle.

• Angels shortstop David Eckstein extended his hitting streak to 15 games, matching a career best. He is batting .367 during the streak.

• Brewer outfielder Geoff Jenkins extended his errorless streak to 181 games. The streak began June 4, 2002, against the Cubs.