Price optimistic after start against Bisons

Coca-Cola Field welcomed Boston Red Sox pitcher David Price on Friday after getting assigned to Pawtucket for his first rehab start. Price has been on Boston's disabled list all season due to a left elbow strain from spring training. The 2012 Cy Young Award winner worked the mound for two innings against the Bisons, giving up three runs while delivering four strikeouts in a 7-5 Herd victory.
Facing Buffalo's Jake Elmore to begin the game, Price had to shake off the rust and endure a 15 pitch plate appearance by the left fielder. After Elmore sent a line drive to center field for a double, the southpaw quickly heated up, ending the inning by striking out Rowdy Tellez, Jason Leblebijian and Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

But as with many rehab assignments, Price's first start back wasn't the most optimal. In the second inning, Raffy Lopez took a fastball right down the middle on a 1-0 count and sent it sailing to left field for a home run. Jake Elmore gave Price even more trouble after singling to right field, bringing Jonathan Diaz and Roemon Fields to home plate.
Price was originally scheduled for 90 pitches on the night, but was pulled after 65 were made, 41 of them being strikes.
Bisons manager Bobby Meacham felt business was as usual when commenting on the success against Price, saying, "We just prepared like we normally do and did a good job against him."
When Price was asked if the competitor in him wanted to pitch longer and who made the call to pull him, he responded, "There was probably a couple of people higher up that made that call and I've got to do what I'm told."
Price still remained optimistic though. "I feel good. Today obviously didn't go as planned but stuff happens. I'm not worried about the observers and their opinions."
Regardless, it's been a good week to be David Price. Along with getting back to playing baseball, his and his wife Tiffany's first child, Xavier, was born on Wednesday and he was able to take his newborn child home before making the trip out to Buffalo.
A solid crowd of 12,380 came out to see Price and Pablo Sandoval, a three-time World Series Champion. Sandoval is also rehabbing with Pawtucket because of a right knee sprain. Buffalo will square off with Pawtucket again on Saturday for game two of a three game series at 1:05 p.m.