The big story this week is of course David Price and his elbow soreness. He had an MRI on Wednesday that was “inconclusive”, and so the lefty consulted with Dr. James Andrews and Dr. Neal ElAttrache at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis on Friday.
The exam results turned out to be a best-case scenario for Price as neither surgery nor injections are needed. The rehab plan is rest and anti-inflammatory medication. Red Sox Nation breathed a collective “Cy” of relief at the positive news.
There is no definite timetable for his participation in game action, and it is likely that he begins the season on the disabled list. While that’s not an ideal situation for Boston, it certainly beats the alternative that we all feared.
GAME NOTES
Thursday, March 2 vs Tampa Bay Rays: W 19-2
The Red Sox relieved some Spring Training frustration by pounding 20 hits and 19 runs against the Rays. Boston homered five times, including two bombs from Jackie Bradley Jr. and a three-run jack from Hanley Ramirez. Both players tallied 5 RBI on the day. Dustin Pedroia, Brock Holt, and Pablo Sandoval all had two hits apiece.
Eduardo Rodriguez got the start and confidently pitched two clean frames with two strikeouts. Craig Kimbrel also powered through a clean inning with one K. Roenis Elias threw three frames, allowing three hits and one run while recording two punchouts.
Friday, March 3 at Atlanta Braves: W 9-1
Rick Porcello made his spring debut by throwing three scoreless innings against the Braves. He held them to two hits and struck out four batters. Brian Johnson also hurled two scoreless frames, despite giving up two hits and two walks.
The offense kept rolling with Andrew Benintendi leading the charge. The left fielder raked four hits (including a homer and two doubles) and drove in three runs. Deven Marrero added a double, a single, and two RBI.
Saturday, March 4 at Pittsburgh Pirates: L 3-2
Hector Velazquez got the nod for his second Spring Training start. After a clean first frame, the former Mexican League pitcher ran into trouble. He gave up six hits, one walk, and three runs over the next two innings before departing. Joe Kelly took the mound for an inning and struggled with command, issuing two walks and hurling two wild pitches. However, he was able to keep the Pirates from scoring further. Matt Barnes and Fernando Abad also each pitched a scoreless frame.
The only Red Sox runs came courtesy of Chris Young, who launched a two-run homer in the third inning. Boston hitters managed only four hits on the day.
TEAM NEWS
-The Red Sox gave Mookie Betts a contract renewal that bumps his 2017 salary up to $950,000. This differs from an extension in that the number was determined solely by Boston. Both sides discussed possible extension terms, but an agreement was not reached at this time. Betts will be eligible for salary arbitration next year with more negotiating power.
-Hanley Ramirez will not play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic (WBC). The slugger is working through tightness in his right shoulder and wants to make sure he is healthy for the start of the MLB regular season.
-Josh Rutledge got back into a game on Thursday after dealing with issues related to his knee surgery recovery. He notched a single and scored a run.
-Chris Sale is still on track to make his spring debut Monday against the Houston Astros
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