Price inches forward
Injured starter takes mound
DETROIT — Some two hours before yesterday’s highly anticipated pitching matchup between Chris Sale and Justin Verlander, David Price stepped onto a bullpen mound at Comerica Park to throw 20 uncontested fastballs.
It wasn’t much, but it was more than the injured Red Sox starter had done in a month and a half.
“I wanted to have a productive day today, but I want to feel good tomorrow,” Price said. “It’s kind of like spring training all over again.”
Shut down because of a forearm injury near his elbow, Price had been doing long toss to build arm strength leading up to yesterday’s first work off a mound since Feb. 28.
“The biggest thing is that the intensity increases in throwing,” manager John Farrell said. “The volume as it’s increased, he’s responded well physically to it. That’s the hopeful goal of tomorrow, coming in, feeling as consistent as he’s been. Provided he does, we would be looking at a bullpen again on Wednesday.”
The Sox have not given an exact time table for a return to the rotation, but it won’t be until sometime in May — at the earliest.
“It feels really good right now,” Price said. “So, everything that’s happened the past couple weeks has all been good for my confidence and just the mental aspect of it, so it all feels good.”
Delay for Bogaerts
Add travel delays to the list of the Sox’ early-season problems. Shortstop
Xander Bogaerts was supposed to be back in the lineup after three days on the bereavement list, but his flight from Aruba was canceled and he missed the 2-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers in the series finale.
“He was on the flight last night ready to take off, and they actually sat for two hours before they canceled the flight,” Farrell said. “He’s going to meet us back in Boston.”
The plan is for Bogaerts to be in the lineup tonight at Fenway Park against the Baltimore Orioles. The Sox optioned infielder Deven
Marrero back to Triple-A Pawtucket to make roster room for Bogaerts.
Flu update
Hanley Ramirez went through batting practice and a cardio workout yesterday, the designated hitter’s most significant physical activity since being diagnosed with the flu last week.
“Hanley reported feeling much better today and actually got some work in at Fenway,” Farrell said. “Would be anticipating him in the lineup (tonight), so we’re getting there.”
Two players on the disabled list, reliever Tyler Thornburg and utility man
Josh Rutledge, also fell ill. And, yes, the team has disinfected the Fenway clubhouse in an attempt to shut down this flu bug.
“It’s been fumigated multiple times,” Farrell said. “I think if you read the general population is going through another boom. It’s hit again. So, we’re no different.”
Pomeranz good to go
Drew Pomeranz remains on track to come off the disabled list and make his season debut in a start tonight.
“We’re fully comfortable with getting him to the pitch count that he last pitched in Florida (during spring training),” Farrell said. “He had an extended bullpen session two days ago here in Detroit. So we’re into the 90-95 pitch range, which is pretty consistent with other guys their first time out.”
Pomeranz needs to be activated off the disabled list, but center fielder Jackie
Bradley Jr. (knee) going on the DL could open the necessary roster spot.