Red Sox: Where current injury woes rank in value and significance
By Jimmy Longo
David Price’s status going forward
While still a ways away from returning, David Price’s absence from the rotation will be duly-noted to start the year in Red Sox world. One third of the trio of Red Sox aces in the top of the rotation, Price was looking for this year to be a year of self-imposed redemption, a revenge tour of sorts to both the American League and the lefty’s self-perceived image in the eyes of Red Sox fans.
Making up for Price’s absence, the Red Sox rotation will still have four of its five starters with previous All-Star experience, the odd man out in this situation if that’s a bad thing, being Eduardo Rodriguez.
Still though, Price’s absence is a tough subject. His rehabilitation could be simply a delaying of what may be an inevitable elbow surgery. There’s the looming opt-out option for Price after the 2018 season. Will he want to opt-out then, will he be healthy enough?
As it is, the success of the Red Sox may largely be contingent on the health of Price. A rotation with the presence of Rick Porcello, Chris Sale and Price is about as unbeatable as you can put on paper when considering the Red Sox offense.
His latest progression had him make 30 throws from 75-90 feet.
Given the amount of money Price is making combined with the dependence that the Red Sox have on him earning that money, his injury gives the greatest concern. Sure, they have Porcello. Sale, Pomeranz, Wright and Rodriguez, but the tone of the Red Sox season going forward may be set by what Price does or doesn’t do.