The Boston Red Sox could get a boost in their rotation with the return of left-handed pitcher Davi Price, who is working his way back from injury.
A banged-up Boston Red Sox rotation could be getting some reinforcements by the end of the week, as David Price appears to be nearing a return.
Price has been sidelined with left elbow tendinitis since May 3 and was placed on the injured list on May 6.
Manager Alex Cora revealed to reporters this afternoon that Price will throw a bullpen session on Wednesday to determine if he’s ready to be activated. If he’s given the green light to get back on the mound, he’ll slot into the currently vacant spot in the rotation on Saturday against the Houston Astros.
David Price will throw one more bullpen before team decides if he'll start Saturday vs. Houston or next week vs. Toronto.
— John Tomase (@jtomase) May 14, 2019
If Price needs more time then it will presumably be Hector Velazquez making that start considering he delivered five solid innings in a win over the Seattle Mariners on Sunday. In that case, Price would be activated during the following series in Toronto.
While it’s not confirmed which game against the Blue Jays it would be if Price is held back until then, the best guess would be Tuesday, May 21. Eduardo Rodriguez is slated to start the opener of that series on Monday. Rick Porcello, who has followed E-Rod in the rotation, would not be ready to make a start on Tuesday after pitching this Friday against the Astros.
An unusual scheduling quirk afforded the Red Sox two off days this week sandwiched around their current two-game series with the Colorado Rockies. They also had a day off last Thursday. These off days enabled the Red Sox to navigate the schedule with Price and Nathan Eovaldi both missing. Josh Smith was called upon to make one start against the Baltimore Orioles but if Price is able to return to face Houston or Toronto then they won’t need Smith in the rotation again.
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Velazquez will probably remain in place of Eovaldi for the foreseeable future and could make a start next Tuesday if Price pitches against the Astros.
The Red Sox have been rolling lately, winning 11 of their last 13 games, yet they would certainly welcome the return of Price. The lefty was arguably the best pitcher in their rotation before he hit the shelf, posting a 3.75 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 10.5 K/9 in six starts.
Getting Price back in their rotation would be a huge boost for a pivotal series against an Astros team that the Red Sox defeated in last year’s ALCS. The last time Price saw the Astros he shut them out over six innings to earn the win in the decisive Game 5 that sent Boston to the World Series.
If it’s not this weekend then at least it should be soon after. Either way, it’s positive news for the Red Sox with the former Cy Young winner on the verge of making it back to the mound.