Red Sox: David Price could return by end of May
Boston Red Sox star, David Price, is expected to return in late May after a short rehab stint.
David Price, the Red Sox’ celebrated co-ace could return to the Boston rotation by the end of May. Sidelined since early Spring Training with an elbow strain, Price will no doubt be a welcome addition to a Red Sox club that currently sits third in the NL East behind a surprisingly hot start from the rival New York Yankees. Price is expected to throw four simulated innings some time this week, lining the former Cy Young Award winner up for a May 14 rehab appearance. Price would likely then require a further 1-2 starts in the minor league setting.
John Farrell said David Price could begin a rehab assignment after one more sim game, which would line him up to start rehabbing on May 14.
— Jason Mastrodonato (@JMastrodonato) May 6, 2017
Price will return to a rotation that has had its struggles so far in 2017. The newly acquired Chris Sale has pitched as advertised posting a 1.37 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 6 starts, while young lefty Eduardo Rodriguez is off to a hot start with a 3.18 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 5 starts of his own.
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Behind those two however, 2016 Cy Young winner Rick Porcello has regressed from last season’s form and Drew Pomeranz has had mixed results since returning from a forearm strain. The 5th starters spot has been troublesome so far with Brian Johnson, Steven Wright and Kyle Kendrick combining for an ERA North of 8.
Coming off the back of an uncharacteristically trying year, the first of a 7 year/$217m deal, Price will be looking for a return to his former Cy Young form. In 230 innings last year, the southpaw posted a 3.99 ERA with 228 strikeouts against just 50 walks, the 3.99 ERA being the worst mark since his rookie season.
Price particularly struggled in his new home, the hitter friendly Fenway Park, posting a 4.11 ERA in 114 home innings. Price showed significant improvement in the second half however, improving to a 3.54 ERA in 105.2 innings.
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The return of a healthy David Price is a massive boost for a scuffling Boston rotation and is a key reason why the Red Sox remain the division favorite despite the Yankees hot start.