Red Sox to Sign Mark Prior. Recall Clayton Mortensen

The Red Sox are set to sign pitcher Mark Prior reports Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com via Twitter.  A once polarizing figure in the Chicago Cubs organization, Prior has battled injuries over the past five seasons and hasn’t thrown in a major league game since 2006.

He’s had interest and even opportunities in the  last few years, including minor league stints with the Texas Rangers in 2010 and the Yankees in 2011.  Prior has undergone multiple shoulder surgeries since 2007 which has limited his ability to prove he’s healthy enough to compete for a roster spot.

At this point, the Prior signing doesn’t bring a lot of risk.  While financials are not yet public, giving Prior a chance to comeback can’t hurt the Red Sox and if he can miraculously make the comeback then perhaps a diamond in the rough will have been found for the Sox rotation or bullpen.

In yet another roster move, the Red Sox recalled Clayton Mortensen who was acquired from the Colorado Rockies as part of the Marco Scutaro deal.  Mortenson has worked in 10.0 innings in Pawtucket, allowing five hits and just one earned run in those appearances. He’s walked four batters and fanned ten while owning a nice 0.90 ERA and WHIP.

This move all but confirms that Kevin Youkilis will be heading to the DL, although nothing yet has come out of Yawkey Way to confirm this.  With Aaron Cook set to join the club on Saturday, Mortenson’s stint in Boston could be brief.

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