Price activated, to pitch in relief

The Boston Red Sox activated left-hander David Price on Thursday and plan to use him out of the bullpen.

Price went on the 10-day disabled list July 28 with an inflamed elbow.

Manager John Farrell said Price looked good in two simulated games.

“I think there will be some spots that will emerge naturally,” Farrell said.

“From just a physical standpoint, I think he’s passed those tests to put him in this position and looking forward to getting him back to game activity.”

Price has pitched out of the bullpen in the postseason. In 2008, he earned the victory for Tampa Bay in Game 7 against Boston in the AL Championship Series. With Toronto, he did it in the 2015 ALDS.

The 2012 AL Cy Young winner started this season on the disabled list. He was activated May 29 and was 5-3 with a 3.82 in 11 starts. Blow to Astros: Houston outfielder Jake Marisnick could be out for the season after breaking his right thumb while sliding headfirst into second base Wednesday. Marisnick will need surgery and will be out six to eight weeks, the Astros said. 5 for retaliating: Houston pitcher Mike Fiers was suspended five games and fined for throwing a fastball over the head of the Angels’ Luis Valbuena on Wednesday in an act of retaliation. Fiers began serving his penalty Thursday night. Valbuena had homered against Fiers earlier in the game and flipped his bat.