David Price asked Boston Red Sox fans to show unity through these dark times, but he didn’t get any support from his own teammates. At least, in terms of run support.
Price took the loss against the Tampa Bay Rays, making his record 8-5 with a 4.74 ERA. He went 6.1 innings, allowing four earned runs on nine hits, a walk, and 10 strikeouts. Yet, it’s worth noting that he gave up three of those runs in the bottom of the third inning, settling down to give his team a chance to get back into it. That never happened, as the team only had five hits between them.
Not that Price blames his team for the loss. Scott Lauber of ESPN reported Price’s thoughts on last night: “I’m just putting us behind the eight ball early on in games […] I’m not setting the tone the way that I need to. It’s tough. I’m so much better than this. I’ve just got to get better. It’s crushing me right now, but I’ll get there.”
Lauber also added that Price “has allowed at least four earned runs in six of 17 starts,” and suggested that Red Sox Nation’s patience is definitely wearing thin. For the money that the team spent on him, people’s expectations of Price was a shutdown king of the mound. Price has had those outings this season, but those six games of four runs is six too many for Boston’s liking.
Before the game, Price tweeted something rather interesting, considering his performance last night:
Times like this is what makes winning so special!! We will get through this...this is the time we need your support the most! #unity
— David Price (@DAVIDprice24) June 28, 2016
It’s important to remember that the tweet came before his latest appearance. When players are struggling, it’s easy to ask for forgiveness and support in their darkest hours. Price asked it before he even took to the mound, which has some insight into his mindset at present.
On the surface, the tweet could be completely innocent, simply asking fans to support him and his teammates, as any good teammate would do. However, remembering that Price’s game before last night was even worse could mean that Price’s confidence could be shot.
He allowed six earned runs on 12 hits in just 2.1 innings against the Texas Rangers, the team that he lost to in infamous fashion in the playoffs, when Price was playing for the Toronto Blue Jays. After Boston’s recent road trip woes, Price’s tweet seems more like a plea for encouragement, as he may be struggling to find any semblance of confidence in himself.
Should Red Sox Nation give up on him? Well, however each member feels, the Red Sox will be paying a great deal of money for him to pitch for a long time. If Price feels that he needs the support to play better, does Boston have any choice in the matter?