David Price throws simulated game in comeback effort

For the first time since going back on the disabled list at the end of July, David Price faced hitters Saturday afternoon, completing two innings of a simulated game.

Price has been sidelined since his last start, July 25, at Anaheim, with a recurrence of elbow and biceps inflammation that first affected him in early March and delayed his first start of the season until early June.
Price threw 16 pitches in each inning as Deven Marrero, Chris Young and others took swings against him.

“He threw all four pitches with good intensity,’’ said John Farrell, “and actually kind of felt, from just a repetition and rhythm standpoint, better the second inning. So today was a productive day.’’

The Sox did not have a radar gun on Price to determine his velocity.

The Sox want to see how Price responds from today before mapping a course for the rest of the week. One of the options would include having him throw a bullpen in another couple of days before another sim game, either Thursday or Friday.

“I think after the next sim game setting like this,’’ said Farrell, “we’ll have a chance to sit down and talk with him (about) what’s the next best path in terms of what the role could be. We’re not at that point yet.’’

Farrell’s comment could be interpreted as evidence that the Red Sox are internally discussing the possibility of having Price pitch out of the bullpen instead of returning to the starting rotation.

The regular season concludes three weeks from Sunday, leaving enough time for Price to continue to build up arm strength while the Sox debate his future.