X-rays on Price's wrist negative after early exit

BOSTON -- Red Sox left-hander David Price exited Wednesday's 14-6 win over the Marlins at Fenway Park with a left wrist contusion after being struck by a comebacker off the bat of Austin Dean in the third inning. The club announced that X-rays on Price's wrist were negative and that further testing will be done as needed.
With two runs already in during the frame and two men on base, Dean lined an 0-2 changeup with an exit velocity of 102.6 mph, according to Statcast™, back at Price.
The drive was bearing down on the Boston starter's face before he threw his arms up to protect himself, only to receive the shot directly on the inside of his left wrist.
The ricochet bounced to Steve Pearce at first and was relayed to Price, who had the wherewithal to continue on with the play and record the third out before heading straight into the Red Sox's clubhouse. He had thrown 47 pitches (37 strikes).
"I put my hand up as a reaction so it didn't hit me in the face," Price said. "It went to Pearce, so then I ran over to first base to cover first. Pearce threw it. I knew it hit me flush and it caught bone. I knew it was hit hard. I knew it went to my left, so I wanted to get that out."
Following the game, both Price and Red Sox manager Alex Cora were cautiously optimistic about the southpaw being able to get back to action soon.
"He's OK, the X-ray's negative, obviously a little sore," Cora said. "We'll see how he feels tomorrow and go from there."
Added Price: "I'm just taking it day by day, see where it's at tomorrow. If it feels good enough to put a ball in it, we'll do it. If not, we'll just take it day by day."
Hector Velázquez came on in relief to pitch the fourth in Price's place. He allowed two runs over three innings.
Miami's lineup put its bats to good use early, tacking on three runs on five hits over three frames against Price, who had gone 4-0 with a 1.09 ERA since the All-Star break.

Boston is already without ace Chris Sale, who has been on the disabled list since Aug. 18 with left shoulder inflammation, as well as Eduardo Rodriguez, who is slated to return to the rotation this weekend in Chicago after being sidelined with a right ankle sprain since July 15.
"He's a big part of what we're trying to accomplish. The way he's been throwing the ball, obviously it sucks to see that," Cora said of Price. "We've been going through this the whole season."
Price is next lined up to start against the Braves on Monday in Atlanta, which would also place him into the lineup -- giving Cora reason to pause before committing to his starter being available. Price sounded more confident in making his next outing.
"We haven't talked to David about it," Cora said. "We'll sit down and go from there. His next start is in Atlanta, so the swinging part of it is never good. He understands where we're at and what we need from him."
"I'm hitting Monday," Price concluded. "I'll be ready."