The Boston Red Sox will have the most expensive relief pitcher in baseball for the remainder of the regular season and into the playoffs.
Red Sox manager John Farrell announced Thursday that David Price is ready to return to the team, and the left-hander will be used exclusively out of the bullpen.
John Farrell: David Price will pitch out of bullpen in potential multi-inning role. 'He wants to get back and pitch. He wants to compete.'
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) September 14, 2017
Price has been battling soreness in his elbow since spring training, and he did not make his debut in 2017 until May because of it. He was placed on the disabled list in July after the inflammation returned. Farrell said Price could pitch as early as Sunday or Monday.
The Red Sox are paying Price more than $30 million a year, and they have gotten to the point where they are willing to have him help the team in any way possible. As ESPN’s Buster Olney notes, Price has allowed just one extra-base hit against left-hander hitters this season.
David Price vs. left-handed batters this year: 54 at-bats, 1 extra-base hit. (A double)
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) September 14, 2017
Even if he was ready to return to the starting rotation, Price’s numbers in the postseason are abysmal. He is 2-8 with a 5.54 ERA in October.
The Red Sox hold a three-game lead over the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East with 17 games left to play.
