BOSTON — Even though he struggled early in the season, Boston Red Sox starter David Price remains an elite pitcher — the kind no team wants to face in a crucial game. Toronto Blue Jays hitters won’t have it easy Sunday.
They did get some good news, though, as Red Sox manager John Farrell told reporters that Price will be limited in the regular season finale against the Blue Jays. What that means isn’t exactly clear, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the AL innings leader pitch something like five innings as opposed to his average of 6.2 per start.
The Red Sox are currently set up to start Rick Porcello in their ALDS opener against the Cleveland Indians before using Price in Game 2.
Meanwhile, Blue Jays right-hander Aaron Sanchez will have to start Sunday, since the game will matter for Toronto. The Blue Jays had hoped that they’d have a playoff spot wrapped up by Sunday, in which case they would have held Sanchez back for the playoffs.
If the Blue Jays play must-win games after Sunday, they’ll have to turn to starters other than Sanchez. Francisco Liriano would be on regular rest Monday in the unlikely event the Blue Jays play a tie-breaker game against the Seattle Mariners for the second wild card spot. Marcus Stroman would be on regular rest Tuesday, when the American League wild card game’s scheduled to take place.
