Seattle Mariners: Pryor shut down for the season

Sep 21, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Stephen Pryor (46) pitches to the Texas Rangers during the 8th inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Mariners announced Sunday morning that reliever Stephen Pryor has been shut down for the remainder of the season. An MRI revealed that Pryor has a triceps injury, though it’s not certain if it is a tear. It’s the same injury that has kept Pryor out of the Mariners bullpen since April 14.

He had recently begun a rehab assignment and had hoped to return to Seattle before the end of the season before his most recent setback. He was reportedly sitting in the low-90s with his fastball without command in his last outing with the Tacoma Rainiers.

The 24-year-old had thrown 7 1/3 scoreless innings this season before he felt discomfort in his back and had to leave the game against the Texas Rangers. Last season, Pryor struck out 27 batters in 23 innings between two different stints in the big leagues.

With an unstable bullpen as it is, the news on Pryor is a big blow to the club. After Tom Wilhelmsen’s blown save versus Boston, Manager Robby Thompson said he would rely on closer by committee. It’s difficult not to think Pryor would have stepped into that role if wasn’t injured.

The Mariners also announced that Eric Wedge would not be joining the club in the upcoming week. General manager Jack Zduriencik noted he wanted Wedge back at full strength when he does return.