Padres pitcher Mark Prior has opted for another shoulder surgery on his right shoulder, shutting him down for at least this season. Prior was in extended spring training when he felt the soreness, and that was when he returned to San Diego for an examination: "I can't imagine how frustrated he is," Black said. "It looked like everything was on course. Then to have this happen I'm sure is extremely frustrating. I'm upset for him just because there was such confidence from him about how he felt." Prior is 42-29 with a 3.51 ERA over his career, having last pitched in August of 2006.
Prior is a free agent after this season and if he shows promise in his recovery by the end of the season, they may resign him. The Padres might just cut their losses and let him be someone else's project.