The Boston Red Sox will be getting a huge addition to a thinning rotation when David Price returns.
For the most part, the Red Sox pitching rotation has been strong this year. Their collective ERA is down in 19th among major league teams at 4.42, however, their starters are eighth in FIP (3.91) and fifth in fWAR (3.4). Led by the current number one pitcher in baseball Chris Sale, defending Cy Young winner Rick Porcello, and a breakout candidate in Eduardo Rodriguez, they have as solid a top-three as there is. The same can’t be said for the back of the order.
Steven Wright is done for the season after undergoing left knee surgery, though he wasn’t necessarily an asset before going down. Kyle Kendrick made two starts in his place and allowed a total of 12 earned runs over 8.1 innings pitched. Drew Pomeranz is the incumbent number four but possesses an ugly 5.29 ERA and left Sunday’s start in the fourth inning with left triceps tightness – the same injury that delayed his Spring Training.
The rotation is deteriorating at a rapid rate and is in need of serious help. Thankfully, the Red Sox have a former Cy Young winner they can turn to.
David Price was scheduled to make his first rehab start on Mother’s Day but was forced to settle for a 75-pitch simulated game since the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox game was rained out. Now, a simulated game in the cages is obviously not the same as an actual game against true competition, but all that matters is that he was able to get his work in without interruption. Price doesn’t need to prove that he can set down Triple-A batters, his resumé is proof enough, we just need to know that his elbow can handle increased stress.
More from BoSox Injection
- Red Sox should capitalize on Yankees’ latest roster move
- Red Sox ownership’s latest reported venture could be what’s affected team spending
- How Red Sox’ latest cheap endeavor could carve out a role in 2023
- Conflicting report about Mookie Betts trade paints Chaim Bloom in even worse light
- Boston Red Sox setting Trevor Story up for failure amidst Xander Bogaert departure
All signs are go from here on out as Price is one step closer to making his first start of 2017. The club wants him to make one more rehab appearance next Friday and if all goes well, we could expect to see him back in the bigs by next week. If Pomeranz’s injury isn’t serious, the team could have a full rotation for the first time this season. If his injury is serious, it would likely mean that one of Brian Johnson or Hector Velazquez will be up with the club for a while.
There should still be caution exercised in evaluating Price’s recovery. It’s all too easy for a pitcher to experience a setback, especially one that has thrown as many innings over the past five years as he as. Regardless, it’s impossible not to feel optimistic as we approach his season debut.
Earlier in the year, I wrote about how big a piece of the rotation he is, even coming off a career-worst season. Based on pre-season projections, Price is worth roughly 4.5 wins +/- which could be the difference in the most competitive division in baseball. The bottom line is that he’s a huge addition, especially under the current circumstances.
Next: Hector Velazquez is making a strong case for a promotion
Price will up his pitch count to the 85-90 range on Friday and assuming all goes well, he’ll be on schedule to start when the Texas Rangers between May 23-25.