Mark Prior, who was trying to get back to the Major Leagues following two significant shoulder surgeries in the last three years, was released by the Padres. Prior was making $15,000 a month on a Minor League contract that he signed with the Padres in January. He had a setback in late April when he reported soreness in his shoulder while rehabilitating in Arizona. Prior, who will be released from his Minor League contract, possibly as soon as Saturday, hadn't reached the point where he was throwing to live hitters when be reported soreness in his shoulder. "The poor guy just can't seem to get over the hump. He is doing everything possible for him to come back. ... I hope it works out for him," Padres manager Bud Black said at the time of the setback.