Red Sox pull plug on LHP Price's season

With the Red Sox all but eliminated from playoff contention, left-hander David Price won't pitch again in 2019, Boston manager Alex Cora said Wednesday.

Price struggled with injuries this season, dealing with left elbow tendinitis, and more recently, a cyst on his left wrist.

"I think it's a head-start to next year," Cora told reporters. "It's the smart thing to do.

"If we were one game up or in the hunt, he'd probably be pitching out of the bullpen like in '17. Where we're at and how important he is, it's better off moving forward and getting him right."

The Red Sox entered their Wednesday night home game against the San Francisco Giants with an elimination number of three: three losses, three Tampa Bay wins or any combination will knock the 2018 World Series champs out of postseason contention.

Price, 34, finishes the season with a 7-5 record and a 4.28 ERA -- almost a full run over his 3.31 career ERA.

"We need this guy healthy and ready to go," Cora said. "I think it's the best move for the player and for the organization."

A 12-year veteran, Price has a career record of 150-80 and has thrown 2,029 2/3 innings.

Price has three years and $96 million remaining on a seven-year, $217 million deal he signed with the Red Sox after the 2015 season.

--Field Level Media