NEW YORK — David Price’s next step wasn’t specified by manager John Farrell on Friday, but an attempt to throw off the mound appears the logical next step, as long as Price feels healthy after his flat-ground work.
Price threw from roughly 120 feet Friday afternoon and then threw to a catcher from a shorter distance in left field at Yankee Stadium.
“It was good,” Farrell said. “He threw long toss out to 120 feet. Afterwards, he came in and spun some breaking balls. That was the goal, the design for today. Since his placement on the DL, today was his best throwing day yet. So, we’ll see where he comes in tomorrow, and that would determine what the throwing program would be next.”
Asked specifically if there was anything left to accomplish on flat ground, Farrell again deferred to choices made in the next couple days. Price would have to build back his pitch count and presumably face hitters in some fashion — a minor league rehab assignment is logical — so he’s still probably a couple weeks away at a minimum. Late August seems reasonable to target for a return if Price has no setbacks.