Advertisement

Is David Price Done as a Starter?

Is it possible that Boston Red Sox fans have seen the last of David Price as a starting pitcher?

In mid-July, Price hit the disabled list for the second time in four months with elbow problems. There was speculation of him not even being able to pitch again until 2018. Well, he did not pitch as a starter after that, but in lieu, he found a home in the bullpen starting in mid September. There were not many expectations for him, since he was coming back off of injury at the time, and that this was a new and unfamiliar role for him.

Prior to his return this year, he made only five relief appearances totaling 9.2 innings as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays in 2008 and 2010. He flashed a solid 1.86 ERA over those brief performances.

Advertisement

The Tennessee native managed to see greater success this year, as he did not allow any runs in 8.2 innings of regular season contention from this new spot. In fact, he was a major part of the Sox having any success in the postseason. In the span of two consecutive games, he pitched a combined 6.2 innings against the Houston Astros in Games 2 and 3 of the American League Division Series. In Game 2, he inherited loaded bases with one out. He got out of the inning without a blemish.

Without a doubt, Price would become a force as a reliever, but he would be making the most money among major league relief pitchers. He outranks Aroldis Chapman ($20 M/year) by a hefty 10 million dollars.

Advertisement

Would making the move make sense for the 2018 campaign?

The last starter-turned-reliever for Boston was Joe Kelly. Kelly was converted because he was stuggling mightily as a starter. Since his first full season with the BoSox, 2015, hitters were batting .284 against him with a massive .806 OPS. Those numbers saw significant drops after his conversion in 2014.  They dipped to .202 and .570, respectively.

It would seem that moving Price to the bullpen would be premature, since he is still in his prime, but in the end, only time will tell.

   

Advertisement

Check us out on our socials:   
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk 
Instagram: @primetimesportstalk

Advertisement

Share this:

MLB Awards - Braves SP Chris Sale
Latest News

Driscoll’s Picks for 2024 MLB Awards

With the Los Angeles Dodgers winning the World Series last week, it is officially the start of the MLB offseason. This is the time of year when everyone on social media argues about who should win each end-of-season award. Regardless of who wins these awards, there are a ton of people deserving in each category, but there can only be one winner for each.

Read More
2024 MLB Stars - All MLB Team - Royals Bobby Witt Jr.
Latest News

Driscoll’s Picks for 2024 All-MLB Teams

The MLB season ended a few weeks ago with the Los Angeles Dodgers winning the World Series. This has sparked a debate about the best players from the 2024 campaign. Even though playoff performance is not factored into these awards, it still leads to greater debates.

Read More
MLB baseball - Arizona Fall League
Latest News

Arizona Fall League to Get Underway

The Arizona Fall League is set to get underway on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. Now entering its 32nd season, the league is a chance for top prospects to continue to hone and improve their skills. These prospects will get the opportunity to play with and against other rising stars from all over MiLB.

Read More

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Browse by Category:
Advertisement
Advertisement

Visit ChiefsBlitz.com for
hard-hitting KC Chiefs coverage.