David Price could face hitters soon, but role is ‘to be determined'

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BOSTON — David Price’s first bullpen session using all his pitches clears the path for him to potentially face hitters in the coming week. But there’s still no guarantee he makes it back in a starting role in 2017.

“To be determined,” manager John Farrell said of the next step. “Hitters are getting closer for sure. One scenario has a lighter ‘pen on Wednesday and then hitters shortly after that. But we’ll continue to take this step by step but that’s the tentative plan right now.”

Farrell downplayed the significance of the minor league schedule ending and the reduced options for Price to face hitters before returning, in whatever role that may be.

“I don’t think it’s a big gamble,” Farrell said. “He made two rehab starts prior to joining the rotation after missing pretty much the first two months. We’ll build him up through simulated games here and then once we get to that level, or that intensity in that work session, we’ll have a better ready on what path his role will be going forward from that point.”

Price threw 30 pitches Monday, including the breaking ball for the first time. He used the change-up for the first time his last time out. Throwing those pitches off the mound is significant in his progression.

“I could throw as hard as I wanted with the fastball, and it was fine,” Price said of his most recent injury an interview with The Athletic. “But when I spun a breaking ball or threw a changeup, that’s when I felt it.”  (LINK: )

 

Bogaerts is back; Travis getting looks

Xander Bogaerts returned to the lineup Monday after three down days. Lefty J.A. Happ was on the mound. Chris Young — who has done better against righties this season, contrary to what his career numbers would lead you to expect — is still getting looks vs. lefties. Hanley Ramirez was at DH with Sam Travis, freshly recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket, at first base.

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