Posted on July 28, 2017, by Bryan Zarpentine
Image via bostonherald.com
The elbow problems that sidelined Boston Red Sox starter David Price for the first two months of the season appear to have resurfaced. On Friday, the Red Sox placed Price on the 10-day DL with what they’re calling inflammation in his elbow. Price was scheduled to start Friday against the Royals. Instead, Rick Porcello will move up to start on Friday.
The severity of Price’s elbow problems is not known at this time. However, it’s believed to be the same kind of forearm or elbow issue that kept Price from making his season debut until May 29. There are reports that Price underwent an MRI on his elbow Thursday morning. The Red Sox may not make the results of that MRI public until later in the day.
Once he returned from the elbow trouble that sidelined him early in spring training, Price was solid but unspectacular in his first handful of starts this season. He eventually found his groove earlier this month. Over the course of three starts, Price allowed just two runs over 20 innings of work. However, the lefty got beat up in his most recent start, allowing six runs in five innings against the Angels.
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Another stint on the DL could cost Price at least one start, probably more. However, it took Price an extended period of time to come back from the elbow trouble he experienced in the spring. A similar absence, even if he avoids surgery, could put his season in jeopardy.
The good news for the Red Sox is that the rest of their rotation is healthy after the return of Eduardo Rodriguez from the DL earlier this month. Both Rodriguez and Drew Pomeranz have pitched well this season in support of Boston’s new ace Chris Sale. However, depth at the back end of the rotation for the Red Sox this season, and that will continue to be the case if Price ends up on the DL for an extended period of time.
A serious injury for Price could alter Boston’s plans at the trade deadline. Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has said the club is not looking to upgrade its rotation via trade. But if Price is down for an extended period of time, the Red Sox may need to rethink that position. It’s important to note that Rodriguez and Pomeranz are no strangers to injuries themselves. Boston has also had trouble solidifying the back end of its rotation all season. All of those factors could force the Red Sox to trade for rotation help. However, it’s
It’s important to note that Rodriguez and Pomeranz are no strangers to injuries themselves. Rodriguez missed six weeks with a knee injury, while Pomeranz has had frequent elbow issues in recent years. Boston has also had trouble solidifying the back end of its rotation all season. All of those factors could force the Red Sox to trade for rotation help before the deadline. However, it’s unlikely they would pursue one of the frontline starters expected to be traded like Sonny Gray or Yu Darvish.
The Red Sox are currently nursing a half-game lead atop the AL East. Both the Yankees and Rays have their sites set on taking away the top spot in the division. Boston does have the wild card as a fallback option. But winning the AL East is obviously the team’s top priority. It’s still too soon to jump to conclusions about Price’s health. However, if he ends up missing a significant period of time, it could throw a wrench in Boston’s postseason plans.