Price vows speedy return from latest elbow setback

Addressing his feud with Dennis Eckersley wasn’t the only thing on David Price’s agenda Saturday. He also provided an update on his balky elbow, which forced him to the disabled list.

Price was scratched from his scheduled start Friday after experiencing inflammation in his elbow following his start in Anaheim last weekend. He was placed on the disabled list, retroactive to last Wednesday.

“I feel good, honestly, ‘’ said Price. “It’s not the same as what went on in spring training. It’s nowhere near the extent of what happened on March 2. I feel good. I’m way more optimistic than I was in spring training. In spring training, (the issue) was 10-out of 10; this is a one. It’s not what it was in the spring. I’m confident I’ll be OK.’’

Price said the discomfort he felt in March limited his everyday activities. He’s under no such limitation this time.

“It’s nowhere near as bad,’’ he reported.

Price would be eligible to come off the disabled list at the end of next week, but that might not be enough time for his return to the rotation.

“I have to say it will be more than 10 days,’’ he said. “I’ll play catch. We did all the strength tests and grip tests and my strength and my grip were both stronger than they were in spring training. All the signs are really good. I’m going to take it a day at a time and take care of it.’’

He further noted that, when he was shut down in the spring, he had only thrown a few bullpens and live batting practice sessions. Now, he’s made 11 starts and his arm strength is considerably more.

“It wouldn’t be a long process once I start throwing,’’ he predicted.