CHICAGO (AP) — Boston Red Sox starting pitchers Chris Sale and David Price could return to the rotation as early as next weekend, manager Alex Cora said Sunday before the team played the Chicago White Sox.
For both left-handers, the Red Sox are looking at their next homestand, which begins Friday with three games against Houston before three games against Toronto and a three-game set against the Mets.
Sale, who has been on the disabled list since Aug. 15 for mild inflammation in his left shoulder, could pitch a few innings as an "opener" as he builds up innings, Cora said. Sale is 12-4 with a 1.97 ERA that leads the AL.
"It's going to be during the homestand, but we don't know which series," Cora said of Sale. "We're very positive he should be on the mound soon."
Price, who has a bruised left wrist, is 14-6 with a 3.60 ERA. The Red Sox hope Price also will be able to throw off a mound this week in Atlanta as he works his way back. A line drive struck his pitching wrist against Miami on Wednesday.
"It should be Houston or the next series," Cora said. "We're not worried. He's in good spirits. He should be fine."
