David Price’s health is a concern for Boston. Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell acknowledged Thursday that left-hander David Price’s recovery has been slowed by soreness in his ailing elbow.
Price, who has been sidelined since spring training, was able to participate in long toss prior to Thursday afternoon’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays. The former American League Cy Young Award winner is expected to throw from the mound Friday.
Initial projections for Price to return to action were tentatively slated for May, but the Red Sox are taking their time with the 31-year-old hurler.
Price experienced pain and swelling after throwing a simulated spring training game on Feb. 28 and was later examined by surgeons James Andrews and Neal ElAttrache, who concluded that the injury did not require surgery.
In 2016, Price posted a 17-9 record with a 3.99 ERA and 228 strikeouts over 230 innings in 35 starts — his first year of a seven-year, $217 million contract with the Red Sox.
