To open a roster spot for the recently acquired Pedro Beato, the Boston Red Sox's Triple-A affiliate has reportedly waived Mark Prior.
Youngsters sit in and look out from the Green Monster seats during "open house" at Fenway Park in Boston, Thursday, April 19, 2012, part of the Boston Red Sox's celebration of the 100th anniversary of the first regular-season baseball game at Fenway Park. To open a roster spot for the recently acquired Pedro Beato, the Boston Red Sox's Triple-A affiliate has released Mark Prior.
Brendan McGair of the Pawtucket Times reported the transaction Friday afternoon.
Prior, 31, possessed one of the most promising arms in baseball until his career was derailed by injuries. Attempting to reach the major leagues for the first time since 2006, he signed with the Red Sox in May.
In 19 appearances with Pawtucket this season, Prior was 1-0 with a 3.96 ERA. He posted an impressive 13.7 strikeout/nine innings ratio over 25.0 innings pitched but struggled with his command, walking 23 batters.
During the 2003 season with the Chicago Cubs, Prior finished third in the National League Cy Young Award voting after going 18-6 with a 2.43 ERA. At the time, he was just 23 years old.