Price takes another step toward return to game action

Following his second simulated game, David Price pronounced himself encouraged and close to game-ready, having been sidelined by recurring elbow issues since his last start on July 25.

“I felt good, felt better as we went along, so that’s a good sign,’’ said Price after a three-inning, 48-pitch session at Fenway. “I threw all my pitches and felt good with all of them…If I come in tomorrow and feel fine, I don’t know what else I have to do.

“I felt strong for however many pitches I threw all the way until the end, so that’s good.’’

The plan for now is for the Red Sox staff, trainers and members of the front office to sit down with Price Thursday to determine the next step and a future role for him to return.

“We know what the date is and we know the work sessions available to us,’’ said John Farrell. “What path is chosen and what makes most sense for David’s health (will be determined).  Let’s face it, he’s throwing the ball (in an) encouraging (way). He’s come out feeling good physically. But we’ve got to sit and talk with him and map out what’s best.’’

The Red Sox have two and a half weeks remaining in the regular season, with 18 games – including Wednesday night – still to play. Price’s next simulated game will come no sooner than Monday in Baltimore.

That would set up an opportunity on the next-to-last weekend of the season for Price to get into a game, but he was in no mood to project a timetable for his return to action.

“I don’t know how many days we have left or how many games,’’ said Price. “Those aren’t the decisions I’ll be making.''

Nor would Price express a preference or commit to a starting or relieving role.

“I just want to pitch,’’ he said. “Whatever it is, it’s fine.’’

When Farrell was asked if he believed there to be enough time for Price to return as a starter, the manager responded: “It would be aggressive to bring him back as a starter right now, in my mind.’’

Price made his first big splash in the 2008 ALCS against the Red Sox in relief.  He also pitched out of the bullpen for Toronto in the 2015 ALCS. If anything, having pitched in that role in the past would help ease his transition if it’s determined that he would be best utilized in a relief role.

“Yeah, sure,’’ Price agreed. “Just to have those experiences to fall back on. It’s got to help.’’

“Somewhat, but that’s not the overriding, determining factor, either,’’ Farrell said. “I think what we’ve seen in past post-seasons is that there’s (usually) a multi-inning (relief) pitcher that has made major contributions. In ’13, it was (Felix) Doubront; prior to that, I’m sure there were others guys who came out of the bullpen after they had started (during the regular season) and contributed in a big way. Derek Lowe (in 2004 is another). Situations like that are not uncommon. But I don’t want to paint him as (solely) a reliever after today’s work.’’