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The Red Sox activated starter David Price from the 10-day disabled list Thursday morning, according to a club announcement. Price has had recurring left-elbow inflammation in 2017, only accounting for 66.0 innings this season between DL trips.
According to Red Sox manager John Farrell, Price will pitch exclusively out of the bullpen for the remainder of the season. Price has not made a relief appearance since 2010 with the Rays, though he does have 8.2 career playoff innings in relief.
Price, 32, is 5-3 with a solid 3.82 ERA in 11 starts this year, but his 3.0 BB/9 is his highest single-season mark since 2010. The left-hander is known for his consistency, and 2017 is an outlier for the veteran; Price has eclipsed 180.0 innings in each of the previous seven seasons.
Price's return comes just fifteen games before the playoffs begin, enabling him to make a few low-pressure appearances before October. With a 3.0 game lead in the AL East, Boston is headed toward their first division title since 2013.