Red Sox release Mark Prior

The Red Sox released right-hander Mark Prior on Thursday after acquiring Pedro Beato. Prior, 31, was 1-0 with a 3.96 ERA in 19 appearances out of the bullpen for Triple-A Pawtucket.

By C. Trent Rosecrans

Aug 17, 2012 at 7:50 pm ET • 1 min read

Mark Prior hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2006. (US Presswire)

Mark Prior's long road back to the major leagues took another turn on Thursday night, when he was released by the Boston Red Sox.

Prior, 31, made 19 appearances for Triple-A Pawtucket this season, going 1-0 with a 3.96 ERA in 25 innings. Triple-A hitters were batting just .172 against Prior, but he struggled with walks, averaging nearly a walk an inning. He struck out 38 batters in his 25 innings.

According to Pawtucket Red Sox radio broadcaster Aaron Goldsmith, the former second overall pick in the draft, was "sitting between 90-92 mph with his fastball."

Prior hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2006. Prior has a career mark of 42-29 with a 3.51 ERA in 106 career starts for the Cubs. He was 18-6 with a 2.43 ERA in 2003. However, injuries derailed his career and he's spent the last six years trying to get back to the big leagues. He underwent shoulder surgery in both 2007 and 2008. He's pitched in the minors for the Padres, Rangers, Yankees and Red Sox.

The Red Sox released him after acquiring Pedro Beato from the Mets on Thursday.