After throwing a bullpen session on Sunday in his recovery from elbow tendinitis, David Price is not as close to a return as hoped.
Price is expected to throw another bullpen session before returning to the mound, which could happen as early as the Red Sox series with the Astros next weekend according to manager Alex Cora.
The earliest Price could have made a return was Wednesday against the Rockies. Chris Sale is the scheduled starter for the first game of the series on Tuesday but the team has yet to name a starter for the second.
However, Boston seemingly won't rush Price back and possibly save him for a showdown with the rival Astros.
The Red Sox starting rotation has been dominant as of late after a slow start to the season, but Boston's bats have come alive as well. In a series sweep against the Mariners this weekend, the Red Sox scored 34 runs in three games, including an eight-run third inning on Saturday.
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Price can probably take his time to get back as the Red Sox ride the wave of a dominant offense and a pitching staff that seems to be rounding into form.
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