Boston Red Sox: David Price shows $217 million worth of value in relief
Boston Red Sox pitcher David Price may be valuable in the playoffs after all.
The Boston Red Sox have held their own without David Price on the mound the last eight weeks. With the continued strong pitching from Drew Pomeranz and the emergence of Doug Fister, the American League East leaders are in good position entering the postseason.
So what about $217 million man?
Well, it appears he may actually play a role out of the bullpen for the Red Sox. If his performance out of the bullpen Sunday afternoon is any indication, Price could be the x-factor for the team. Besides, his only win in the playoffs have come out of the bullpen.
So far, so good
In the team’s 3-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, David Price entered the game in the seventh inning to pitch two perfect innings. He only needed 21 pitches to do so, which was more than expected from Red Sox manager John Farrell.
"“That was even more than personally anticipated,” Farrell said, via MLB.com. “From the power to the touch and feel, I’m amazed that someone [who] hasn’t pitched in a game in nearly [eight] weeks [can] come out with that kind of command and throw three, four pitches for strikes. He’s a unique pitcher, and that was a really strong two innings of work.”More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win"
The former Cy Young winner has battled inflammation in his pitching elbow throughout the season. While unforeseen, David Price coming out of the bullpen down the final stretch of the season and into the playoffs makes sense. As long as he buys into his new role, it could become a strength for the team.
Taking the same approach
As far as Sunday afternoon’s relief appearance is concerned, Price said his approach on the mound remained the same.
"“I’ve done this for a long time. My last bullpens, my last live [batting practices] were really good,” Price said concerning the difference between starting and pitching out of the bullpen. “That mound is still 60 feet, six inches away from home plate. I wasn’t surprised.”"
Come playoffs, the team will need the multiple innings out of the bullpen Price could provide if his elbow holds up. It not only strengthens the team’s bullpen, it gives David Price a chance to show Red Sox fans he can be of value when the games really count.
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Perhaps, he’ll add a couple more postseason wins to his resume.