David Price was scratched from his start against the New York Yankees on Wednesday due to numbness in his pitching hand, and Red Sox manager Alex Cora says the left-hander has been dealing with a mild case of carpal tunnel syndrome. Price doesn’t think playing video games contributed to that, but he said he’ll give them a break so people stop talking about it.
On Thursday, Price met with the media and said he plans to make his scheduled start on Saturday in Toronto. He also revealed that he underwent extensive medical tests and has been told his elbow and forearm are in “pristine” condition.
Price said he had every test under the sun. He was told his elbow and shoulder are both "pristine".
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) May 10, 2018
Price’s toughness has been called into question this season and throughout much of his career. The latest turn in his wild ride in Boston has been people speculating that his latest injury may have been caused by his affinity for video games.
Price said he will no longer play Fortnite at the ballpark because he is aware the topic has been a distraction last couple of days.
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) May 10, 2018
From Price: He does not believe video games contributed to his wrist problem. Sounds as if he will back off playing them some if that helps & find new hobby. Getting treatment, will sleep w wrist brace. He will pitch Saturday in Toronto. His bulllen today went very well.
— Michael Silverman (@MikeSilvermanBB) May 10, 2018
To help illustrate his opinion that playing video games had no role in developing carpal tunnel syndrome, Price said he got his first Xbox when he was 12 years old.
— Michael Silverman (@MikeSilvermanBB) May 10, 2018
And if Red Sox fans weren’t already disgusted enough with their $30 million per year “ace,” the reason Price gave for his bullpen session being cut short last week probably won’t help.
Price on allergies cutting bullpen short last weekend: “I couldn’t see. My allergies, that is something I have always had to battle with as well. I don’t need to be in a bubble or anything like that. .. Whether it is fresh cut grass, or cats — I’ve found out I'm allergic to dogs"
— Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) May 10, 2018
Price’s issues are apparently with his wrist, and he believes they can be treated with dry needling and other techniques. The same issue led to him leaving a start in early April, and he has a 6.95 ERA in four starts since then.
Many Red Sox fans despise Price, and the comments the pitcher makes about the fan base indicate the feelings are mutual. The 32-year-old can opt out of his contract after the season, but it’s doubtful any team is going to pay more than the Red Sox are on the hook for, which is is about $125 million over the next four seasons. The two sides could be stuck with each other unless Price makes a major turnaround or Boston is willing to eat money in a trade.
