David Price to make season debut Monday versus White Sox

Brian Hines
Contributing Writer

Almost three months after David Price suffered elbow soreness in spring training, he will make his first start of the the season for the Red Sox.

After two rocky rehab assignments in Pawtucket, Price will take the mound Monday when the Red Sox take on the Chicago White Sox.

“That’s like making a major trade,” president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said of Price’s return. “He’s a premium starting pitcher at the major-league level that’s one of the best pitchers in the league. Getting a guy back like that is huge for us.”


Jul 17, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Price (24) pitches against the New York Yankees during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
But the $217 million Price is a wild card in the Red Sox rotation for now. In his two rehab assignments, he surrendered nine runs (six earned) in 5 2/3 innings of work. However, Price was pleased with how he felt after the outings. 

“[It was] a lot of pitches in a short amount of time. I think that is more of a test to being healthy as opposed to going out there and throwing five or six innings for 90 pitches,” Price said. “To do what I did in both of my rehab outings, I don’t think you can do that if you’re not healthy.”

The poor performances could have been caused by rust, as it was Price's first live action since Game Two of the Division Series last year against Cleveland.

“It was my first two outings in seven months. To get out there in that game action, it’s a lot different,” said Price.

Bringing Price back in the rotation will hopefully provide the Red Sox with another consistent pitching option. The Sox have already tried Kyle Kendrick, Hector Velazquez and Brian Johnson in the fifth spot in the rotation this year; none of who have provided valuable options.

Outside of Sale, Porcello and Rodriguez, Red Sox starters have a 5-9 record with a 7.37 ERA.  A healthy Price would help make Boston's rotation one of the best in the league.
“Obviously there’s going to be a little tighter rein on him with the workload initially until we continue to build him out,” Farrell said. “But adding David Price to your rotation is always going to be a positive.”
“My thought process is to put up zeroes and help us win,” Price said. “That’s what I’m here to do. That’s what I plan on doing on Monday.”