The Pawtucket Red Sox have released pitcher Mark Prior to clear up roster space for right-hander Pedro Beato, who was acquired in the trade with the New York Mets for catcher Kelly Shoppach.

In 19 innings for Pawtucket, Prior was 1-0 with a 3.96 ERA. While striking out 38 batters in 25 innings in the minors this season, Prior also walked 23 batters. The one-time ace for the Chicago Cubs has not pitched in the major leagues since 2006.

Beato was the player to be named later in the Shoppach trade. In seven appearances for the Mets this season, he has an ERA of 10.38 in 4 1/3 innings of work. Beato has spent the majority of the season with Triple-A Buffalo, where he is 4-4 with a 4.14 ERA.

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