Slower pace for Price
Farrell maintains no new elbow soreness
TORONTO — David Price has gone backwards in his steps toward a recovery from an elbow strain, but Red Sox manager John Farrell said it’s not because of any new soreness that has cropped up.
It seems as though the Red Sox aren’t viewing this as a setback, but more of a slowing down after Price pushed himself hard last week.
Even though the lefty threw his third bullpen session on Saturday, getting up and down multiple times to simulate game action, he is now back to throwing from flat ground and the Red Sox have not yet determined when he will throw off the mound again.
“He’ll be back on the mound (at some point), we just know the volume and intensity that last week presented to him,” Farrell said. “So we’re making sure he goes through some long-toss and continues to build.”
Price threw from 90 feet yesterday, Farrell said, and will throw from 120 feet today. He began with a similar progression in early April, slowly building arm strength with long-toss until he was able to throw from 150 feet, then he pitched off the mound.
He threw two bullpen sessions last week and Farrell thought Price might be able to face live hitters this week. At this point, a time frame is uncertain.
Tomorrow marks seven weeks since he first felt the soreness in his elbow.
Holt on hold
It’s always a catch-22 for Brock Holt: Find a way to stay consistent while only playing once a week.
But if the Red Sox don’t give him at-bats, how can he find that groove?
Holt was again passed over yesterday, when Farrell chose Marco Hernandez as the second baseman on a routine day off for Dustin Pedroia. Hernandez was 0-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts in the Sox’ 8-7 win over the Blue Jays.
Even though the Red Sox have played without Jackie Bradley Jr., who is on the 10-day disabled list, and missed multiple games from Mookie Betts (flu), Xander Bogaerts (bereavement) and Hanley Ramirez (flu), Holt has made only four starts through the first 13 games.
Holt was the most-used replacement for Pedroia at second base last year and often Farrell’s go-to outfielder when someone needed rest or Farrell preferred a left-handed bat against a right-handed starter.
Farrell explained yesterday that he thinks Hernandez and Chris Young have been more consistent.
“I mean, you try to keep everyone involved as best possible,” Farrell said. “The fact is, Marco’s at-bats have probably been a little bit more consistent. Whether that’s coming out of spring training a little bit more timely — he’s had more opportunities as the season has begun.”
Holt is 1-for-11 this season, but is a career .270 hitter with a .700 OPS against right-handed pitching.
“Brock’s at-bats (in spring training) were typical of Brock — they were quality,” Farrell said. “Timing’s been off. And I know the flip side is, it’s hard to get your timing when you’re not getting at-bats. That’s the life of a guy that’s a bench player or a platoon player.
“So we’ve got some work to do to get him going again.”
Young, who typically mashes lefties, has been surprisingly good against righties in the early going. He’s 11-for-38 (.289) with two doubles and five walks to go with six strikeouts.
“He’s done a very good job, even when the at-bats might not show an on-base results, the at-bats have been quality,” Farrell said. “He’s done everything we’ve hoped with a guy coming in as planned to be an extra outfielder.”
The Sox were planning to rest Pedroia yesterday.
“We’re in a stretch of I think 30 of 31,” Farrell said. “He’s been in all 13 games.”
Bounceback needed
One good start by Rick Porcello tonight could go a long way to cooling the concerns over the Sox’ starting rotation. Four of the five starters, all but Chris Sale, are currently nursing ERAs over 5.00.
His last time out, Porcello allowed eight runs, including four homers.
Last year’s Cy Young winner needs to “get back in the bottom of the strike zone with his sinker,” Farrell said. “That’s the pitch that really allows everything else to work off of.”
It sounds like the same issue Porcello dealt with in 2015, when he finished with a 4.92 ERA.
“You can say it’s somewhat similar,” Farrell said. “But I think he’s much more clear on what his needs are as far as a pitcher goes, what works best for him and a lot of innings under his belt to prove that to him.” . . .
Eduardo Rodriguez could return from the paternity list as soon as today and be used out of relief. If Rodriguez isn’t ready to return, Farrell said the Sox would add a pitcher from the minors to provide length in the ‘pen. ...
Bradley and Josh Rutledge began their rehab assignments with TripleA Pawtucket. Bradley was 0-for-2 with a strikeout and Rutledge was 1-for-3 with a home run. Bradley is expected to return to the Red Sox on Friday.