David Price to begin rehab assignment on Sunday

The Red Sox have that one spot in their rotation that they just can’t seem to lock down. Hopefully, the solution is on the way. After missing all of the season to this point, David Price is ready to take his biggest step yet towards returning to the field. The lefty will begin a rehab assigning on Sunday, making a start in Pawtucket.

As Abraham notes in the tweet above, Price is schedule to throw five innings and/or around 70-75 pitches. He’s been throwing some extensive bullpens over the last few weeks in an effort to cut down on his need for extra rehab starts. After missing so much time, it normally wouldn’t be surprising to see a pitcher make at least three starts in the minors before rejoining the major-league club. If everything goes well for Price, there’s a chance he could return after just his second rehab appearance.

This is, of course, welcome news for the Red Sox, who have gotten mostly solid performances from their starting pitchers except for the final start. Steven Wright occupied the fifth spot in the rotation to start the year, but never really got in a groove before injuring his knee and undergoing season-ending surgery. Kyle Kendrick took his spot, and after two chances that opportunity is already done.

Price may not have totally lived up to expectations last season, but his advanced metrics suggest that he could and possibly should have been much better. If he can pitch to the same level this season, the results should follow. He also won’t have as much placed on his shoulders with Chris Sale now atop the rotation and Rick Porcello firmly entrenched as one of the game’s better starters. The Red Sox could really use some stability in their rotation, and while there are still a few more hurdles for Price to jump through, that stability will hopefully come in the form of his left arm.