Back in saddle, Price effective in win

TORONTO — David Price didn’t show much rust Saturday in his return from a sore wrist.

Price pitched 51⁄3 innings to win his first start since being diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, Hanley Ramirez hit a two-run homer and the Red Sox beat the Blue Jays 5-2.

“It was good to get back out there,” Price said. “The more I threw, the better I felt. To me, that’s always a good sign.”

Price skipped Wednesday’s start against the Yankees after experiencing numbness during a bullpen session last weekend.

Making his first start in nine days, the left-hander allowed two runs on five hits and struck out six for his first victory since April 17. Price threw 93 pitches, including 55 strikes.

“Changing speeds, using the breaking ball, elevating fastballs, that was good to see,” manager Alex Cora said. “He competed. That’s all we want from him.”

Andrew Benintendi went 3for-5 with two RBIs and Mookie Betts had three hits for the Red Sox, who have won 14 of their last 17 north of the border.

Betts said it was good to see Price back on the mound.

“It feels great knowing that he’s out there healthy,” Betts said. “He did a great job at giving us a chance to win.”

Price avoided the first fourstart skid of his career. He improved to 18-3 against the Blue Jays in his career. He’s 12-1 in 17 starts at Rogers Centre, including 8-0 in 11 starts as a visitor. Price made six home starts for the Blue Jays in 2015 after being acquired from the Tigers at the trade deadline.

Red Sox outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. went 0-for-4 after sitting out the previous three games. He’s 5-for-54 with no extra-base hits and 26 strikeouts in his last 17 games.