BOSTON -- The Red Sox will sit down with lefty David Price on Thursday to determine what role he can fill upon his return to action, which could be soon.
Price threw three simulated innings at Fenway Park prior to Wednesday's game against the Athletics and is eager to start pitching again in real games.
"I don't know how many more times I have to do a live BP, but if I come in tomorrow and feel fine, I don't know what else I can do," said Price, who last pitched for the Red Sox on July 22 before going on the disabled list with left elbow inflammation.
With 2 1/2 weeks left in the regular season, would Price have time to return to the team as a starting pitcher?
"Again, you're looking at at least one more sim game," said Red Sox manager John Farrell. "That would be the need at a minimum. It is September. You've got guys that can build in innings behind him with a progression if you were to choose to do that. It would be aggressive to bring him back as a starter right now, in my mind."
Price just wants to pitch.
"Threw 40-some odd pitches today. Felt good. Felt strong at the end," said Price. "It's not my decision to make. I just want to pitch, whatever [role] it is."
With the rosters expanded for September, there are different ways Price could be eased back into action. He could go right into a bullpen role, or he could continue to be stretched out as a starter in regular-season games.
"Again, what path is chosen is what makes most sense for David's health," said Farrell. "And let's face it, right now, after the two sim games, he's thrown the ball very well. He's come out of it feeling good physically, so there's no statement on what he's going to be doing as of this moment. We've got to sit and talk with him and map out what's next.
"I think in September it's different just because we're not taxing a bullpen. We have the ability to cover the innings, so you could say that the progression would be to activate him and put him in a game at three innings and you continue to build that out. That's one scenario. But again, these are things we have to sit down and discuss and determine what's best for him."
Price has made 11 relief appearances in his career, including the postseason, going 2-0 with a save while notching a 2.95 ERA. The last time he pitched in relief was for the Blue Jays in Game 4 of the 2015 American League Division Series against Texas.
"To have those experiences to fall back on, it's got to help," said Price.
Two stints on the disabled list have limited Price to just 11 starts this season.
"I'm not one for the DL," said Price. "That's not for me. It's tough."