Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Price might be closing in on a return to the team.
Price, who hasn’t pitched since July 22, threw a 32-pitch simulated game this past Saturday afternoon at Fenway Park to live batters. He’s expected to throw another one on Wednesday or Thursday.
Red Sox manager John Farrell felt positive about Price’s outing.
“All four pitches (were thrown) with good intensity. And actually kind of felt from just a repetition and a rhythm standpoint, better the second inning. Today was a productive day.”
On Tuesday morning, Farrell called in to MLB Network Radio and continued to be optimistic:
#RedSox manager John Farrell with good news on a return for David Price and this weekend's series in Tampa: pic.twitter.com/oCTsy6MWJY
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) September 12, 2017
To close out the clip, Farrell says, “In his case, particularly the last three weeks, there’s been really good improvements. And I just know in the demeanor of David—talking with him—you can tell he’s feeling better about himself physically, and the day of getting back on the mound is getting closer.”
Boston placed Price on the 10-day disabled list July 28 due to left elbow inflammation. In 11 starts this year, he’s 5-3 with a 3.82 ERA.
After Tuesday night’s 11-1 crushing of the Oakland Athletics, the Red Sox have 18 regular season games remaining. You’d think that’d be more than enough time for Price to get back out there, especially with how good he reportedly feels and is throwing.
The Red Sox have their eyes on a playoff series, and Price needs to get some late-season innings under his belt if he’s going to contribute in October. He’s definitely a guy who can help the Red Sox despite his previous postseason struggles, which have primarily come as a starter.
Price’s season off the field has been well documented, particularly for his plane confrontation with team broadcaster and MLB Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley at the end of June. Price received a great deal of criticism when the details leaked toward the end of July—some of it coming from me. Feel free to refer to my posts from July 1, July 25, and July 29 for my opinions on the situation and Price’s behavior.
(Update: Price was activated on September 15.)