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Report: Red Sox Release Mark Prior, Ending Former Phenom’s Comeback Bid to Majors

The Mark Prior experiment has ended.

Back in May, the Red Sox took a flier on the second overall pick from the 2001 MLB Draft, who hadn't thrown a pitch in the majors since 2006. By signing him to a minor-league deal, the Red Sox tried to give Prior a chance to reinvent himself.

In the end, it simply didn't pan out for both parties and the Pawtucket Red Sox reportedly released Prior on Friday to make room for right-handed pitcher Pedro Beato, who was acquired from the Mets in exchange for catcher Kelly Shoppach.

Prior's stint in Pawtucket started off promising, when he tossed 2 2/3 scoreless frames and struck out six in his first two appearances in Triple-A. At one point, the former Cubs phenom was so effective that he looked to be in position for a September call-up with Boston.

But as the strikeouts increased, so did the walks.

By the end of his tenure — which included 19 games — Prior had fanned 38 batters while issuing 23 walks. He still posted a 3.96 ERA, but struggled in his last three appearances as he surrendered five runs during that stretch.

Since his last major league appearance in 2006, Prior has bounced around independent ball and through the minors, making stops in farm systems with the Padres, Rangers, Yankees and now the Red Sox.

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