BOSTON -- A year ago at this time, David Price was on the disabled list, still more than a week away from making his first appearance following eight weeks of inaction because of inflammation in his left elbow. He did return, albeit in a limited role, pitching in five games down the stretch in relief without a run allowed and then throwing 6.2 scoreless innings out of the bullpen in the four-game Division Series loss to the Astros.
It had been a difficult season for the left-hander, with the first lengthy DL stint of his career and an ugly confrontation with Red Sox broadcaster Dennis Eckersley during a team flight.