A tumultuous week got worse for David Price, as the Boston Red Sox placed the left-hander on the DL with a recurrence of the elbow problem that ailed him during the spring.
David Price has experienced an eventful tenure with the Boston Red Sox, to say the least. Between underwhelming performances, injuries and clashes with the media, the union hasn’t quite been what either side expected when Price inked a massive seven-year, $217 million contract following the 2015 season.
In the latest twist, Price is headed back to the 10-day disabled list with left elbow inflammation, per the Red Sox. Left-hander Robby Scott has been recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket to take his place on the roster.
Price began the season on the DL with the same elbow issue. He didn’t make his first appearance of the year until May 29. When the injury was revealed during spring training, it was unclear just how severe it was and what the long-term implications could be for Price. As he worked his way back, he wouldn’t dismiss surgery as an eventual outcome. But after about two months away, he finally returned to the mound.
Over 11 starts, Price demonstrated the lack of consistency that characterized much of his first season in Boston. He notched seven quality starts sprinkled with a few clunkers, putting his season stat line at a 3.82 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 2.86 K/BB ratio in 66 innings.
Price turned in his most dominant outing on July 16 against the Yankees, in which he held the division rivals scoreless over eight frames. It may have been as exceptional as he’s looked in a Red Sox uniform. But he couldn’t keep the momentum going into his next start, as he allowed six runs (five earned) against the Angels.
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It’s once again uncertain just how long Price will be sidelined. While this is reportedly a recurrence of his previous ailment, we don’t know how much of a re-aggravation it is. If the Red Sox are looking at another extended absence, that could certainly throw a wrench into their plans for the remainder of the season.
However, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that Boston does not intend to jump into the starting pitcher trade market, which could indicate they don’t believe the current injury is an emergency-level issue. Team president Dave Dombrowski echoed that sentiment and said that Doug Fister will rejoin the rotation. (Please, contain your excitement.)
Of course, Price has found himself at the center of some off-the-field controversy recently as well. He’s had his run-ins with the Boston media before, but details emerged about a somewhat bizarre confrontation with Hall of Fame pitcher and NESN commentator Dennis Eckersley on a team flight earlier this month. Price came off looking rather foolish in the account, calling out a respected former big leaguer for criticism that was honestly quite tame.
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Fans in Boston don’t have a whole lot of patience for David Price right now. This latest DL trip likely won’t help matters as the team attempts to maintain its hold on the AL East.