Report: Red Sox pitcher David Price injured, had MRI
According to reports, Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Price is suffering from elbow soreness that required an MRI, and will miss at least his first Spring Training start.
The Boston Red Sox are one of the favorites to win the American League pennant in 2017. Much of that optimism centers on a star-studded starting rotation that features reigning Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello, ace newcomer Chris Sale and last year’s prized free agent, David Price.
However, a key piece of that trio is already in danger of missing significant time this season.
Red Sox manager John Farrell met with reporters Thursday, and according to Ian Browne of MLB.com, told the media that Price underwent an MRI Wednesday as a result of elbow soreness. Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports that Price felt worse-than-usual soreness during a simulated game Tuesday, which raised concern.
Price has already been scratched from what was expected to be his first Grapefruit League start Sunday. The results of the MRI are not yet available, and Price is expected to receive a second opinion, but ESPN’s Jim Bowden believes the Red Sox front office fears the worst.
There is serious concern in Red Sox camp that Price could be a candidate for Tommy John surgery as they await a 2nd opinion by Dr Andrews
— Jim Bowden⚾️🏈 (@JimBowdenGM) March 2, 2017
Tommy John surgery would knock Price out of the rotation for all of 2017, and his recovery time could stretch into the 2018 season. Even with Sale and Porcello at the top of the rotation, the loss of Price for such an extended period would be huge.
Steven Wright, Drew Pomeranz and Eduardo Rodriguez are expected to round out the starting staff. Wright and Pomeranz were All-Stars in 2016, but both struggled with injuries in the second half. Pomeranz also posted a 4.59 ERA in 14 games with Boston after he was acquired in a mid-season trade with the Padres. Rodriguez struggled to a 3-7 record and 4.71 ERA in 20 with the Red Sox. In other words, depth is an issue.
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Price has been a dependable Major League starter for seven seasons. Last year, his first in Boston, Price led the majors in games started (35) and innings pitched (230). The lefty was 17-9 with a 3.99 ERA and 3.60 FIP, as well as 228 strikeouts and a 23.97 percent strikeout rate. The 31-year old won the 2012 AL Cy Young Award and has posted a 3.21 career ERA across nine big league seasons with the Rays, Tigers, Blue Jays and Red Sox.