Red Sox Notebook: 'Aggressive bullpen' from David Price on tap for Thursday

FORT MYERS, Fla. — David Price, who missed his last start because of illness, is scheduled to throw an “aggressive bullpen” on Thursday, Alex Cora told reporters before the Red Sox game Wednesday night against the Orioles in Sarasota. Where he will slot into the rotation remains to be determined.

“He was (in camp) today. He’s in good spirits,” Cora said. “Now it's just a matter of seeing where he’s at after that and how we’re going to fit him into the program. Obviously, we run out of time and we have to build up. We’ll make decisions but first things first, we got to see how he feels tomorrow.”

Cora said he has no concern about Price not being on the Opening Day roster.

The final few: Starting pitchers scheduled for the remaining Grapefruit League games are Hector Velazquez Thursday night against the Rays, Chris Sale Friday night at the Twins, and Nathan Eovaldi Saturday afternoon against the Pirates.

The Red Sox will fly to Arizona on Sunday -- rather than immediately after Saturday’s game -- for exhibition games against the Cubs on Monday and Tuesday.

Moving pieces: Cora has been impressed with the way infielder Eduardo Nunez is moving this spring, after several knee ailments over the last few seasons. Nunez started at shortstop against the Orioles on Wednesday.

“A lot better,” Cora said. “He’ll tell you, last year it was a challenge for him. We saw it early. He got better with time. Now, he feels good. He wanted to play short before we break camp. He hasn't played short in a while, so that’s good for him to do it.”

Steve Pearce, slowed by discomfort in his lower left leg, hit inside the batting cages at camp on Wednesday and is expected to get minor league at-bats on Thursday.

“Just to make sure he’s OK,” Cora said. “Most likely we’ll play him either Friday or Saturday, (then) he’ll play in Arizona if everything goes well.”

Brock Holt is scheduled to play first base against the Rays on Thursday.

“We know these guys are moving parts to what we’re trying to accomplish,” Cora said.