David Price and the Boston Red Sox dodge a bullet
After being examined by Dr. James Andrews, David Price will not need elbow surgery. The World Series parade is back on in Boston.
Typically when teams send a pitcher to world-renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews, the news is not good. Luckily for the Boston Red Sox and ace David Price, Andrews came back with good news after examining the left-hander. Price will not need surgery on his left elbow.
Very positive news for the red sox that David price is not expected to need elbow surgery. Also, big for the game!
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 4, 2017
Price had been experiencing soreness in his left elbow and forearm after throwing a simulated game earlier this week. There was initially some concern he would need Tommy John and be out for the year, but now he’ll just rest for a week until the soreness and swelling subside. Red Sox manager John Farrel was obviously pleased with the verdict.
"“A very positive exam, given the concern a couple days ago,” Farrell told reporters after the Red Sox’s 9-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves."
Losing Price for the year would have been a huge blow to the Red Sox and their World Series aspirations. The left-hander won 17 games in 2016 despite an uncharacteristically high 3.99 ERA. Price has thrown over 220 innings in three straight years, including 230 last year. Replacing those innings would have been hard for the Red Sox, as they lack depth at starter.
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In just the second year of a massive seven-year, $217 million deal, Price and the Red Sox have dodged a bullet for now. He’s not completely out of the woods yet, but this appears to be nothing more than swelling associated with ramping it back up for the regular season. Price has thrown over 1,700 innings in his career, and is a max-effort type of pitcher. Seeing him fully healthy for the life of the contract seems unlikely, but for now, he won’t go under the knife.