Red Sox: Price showing improved strength in left elbow
Boston Red Sox LHP David Price is showing increased in strength in his pitching elbow after meeting with the club’s medical staff.
A couple days ago we learned that David Price had suffered a setback in his recovery from elbow inflammation. After failing to meet the strength benchmarks necessary to begin a gradual throwing program, it was announced that he could be out until May. I for one, am on board with the plan to take things slowly.
I for one, am on board with the plan to take things slowly. He’s thrown more innings than any other pitcher in baseball over the last three seasons and a month or so of stress-free recovery could be a positive for him in the long-run. Some have even speculated that his workload has contributed to his postseason meltdowns.
While the Red Sox are still letting him progress at a slow pace, they got some positive news from the medical staff today. Price’s latest check-in shows improved strength in his left elbow, leading to the first step in a gradual throwing program. The team hasn’t announced a timetable for recovery yet, telling reporters that it’s too early to be determined, but it remains unlikely that he will pitch in April.
Based on the positive news, Price was able to play a short game of catch, according to John Farrell via MLB.com’s Ian Browne.
"“[There were] strength improvements to the point of putting the ball back in his hand a little more consistently,” said manager John Farrell. “Today’s the first step for that. A short game of catch. That’s what he’s going through. Not off a mound but just to get the arm moving with a ball in flight, and he will continue in this phase for a period of time. There’s no set distance and volume yet to the throws.”"
Price is obviously uncomfortable with the idea of starting the season on the DL but remains committed to the plan and hopes to be ready to contribute when games matter most.
"“Yeah, hopefully. That’s the goal, that’s the plan,” he said. “All my strength numbers are really good. Everything looks good right now. It’s not something you want to have to go through, but if you do it the right way and treat it the right way, you can come back stronger and ready to go.”"
The Red Sox will now have to rely on Chris Sale and Rick Porcello to anchor a thin rotation without Price. Eduardo Rodriguez and Steven Wright will follow them in the order but are coming off of their own respective injuries. Drew Pomeranz is also recovering from a forearm injury suffered last season and a burst of triceps tightness he experienced during a start last week. He pitched in yesterday’s game and felt that something “clicked” for him midway through the outing, expressing his excitement moving forward.
Next: Pomeranz returns from triceps tightness
Thankfully, the Red Sox will only need four starters their first time through the rotation. This gives Pomeranz some extra time to build up arm strength and mitigates the impact of Price’s absence.