MINNEAPOLIS -- The Red Sox have seen encouraging signs of late as they await the return of ace left-hander David Price to the rotation. On Saturday, manager John Farrell provided a bit more clarity to the timeline the team has in mind for Price's return.
Price, who has been sidelined with a left elbow strain, threw 50 pitches in a three-inning simulated game on Thursday at Fenway Park. Farrell said that the lefty would throw four simulated innings on Tuesday in Milwaukee, and assuming that goes well again, he could begin his Minor League rehab assignment as soon as next weekend.
"I think [Tuesday], ideally, would be the final simulated session," Farrell said. "At that point, provided he continues to feel as he's doing, we'd look at a game after that."
Price hit 95 mph during his session on Thursday, and Farrell said the intensity of Price's efforts has been encouraging.
"You guys saw it the other day -- that's not BP," Farrell said. "From the mindset that he's generating to be in full uniform, I mean, he's taking it as a game day. And the adrenaline builds with that, so his work days have been very good."
The good news couldn't come at a better time for the Red Sox, who just lost knuckleballer Steven Wright for the season with a left knee injury. The team has the next three Mondays off, and Farrell indicated the rotation would stay on turn at least through the Milwaukee series, which begins Tuesday. But he said they'd reassess the situation before their next off-day.