Pedroia could be headed back to DL; Price throws in outfield

NEW YORK (AP) - Boston second baseman Dustin Pedroia could be headed to the disabled list for the third time this season.

Pedroia went 0 for 4 as a designated hitter Wednesday at Tampa Bay in his first game since July 28. Pedroia's left knee was too inflamed for him to play Friday night for the AL East leaders at Yankee Stadium, and Red Sox manager John Farrell said a return to the DL was possible.

"Our goal was to get him some at-bats before this series," Farrell said. "There's been a little bit of a pushback in terms of the reaction, some swelling, some inflammation, so we're holding him out today."

"I wouldn't rule out the DL," Farrell added. "We'll see where this goes over the next 24 hours."

Farrell does not think this is a season-ending injury to Pedroia, who is hitting .303 with six homers and 54 RBIs.

"We've got to continue to get some work to get back to where he feels he's able to endure day to day, and we're not quite there yet."

Pedroia was hurt by a late slide by Baltimore's Manny Machado on April 21. Pedroia returned six days later but went on the DL from May 30 to June 9.

Red Sox pitcher David Price, who hasn't pitched since July 22 because of left elbow inflammation, threw in the outfield from 120 feet, then threw more intensely from 60 feet on flat ground, including breaking balls.

"Since his placement on the DL, today was his best throwing day yet," Farrell said.

A decision on Price's next step will be made Saturday. Price started the season on the DL because of his elbow, was activated May 29 and went 5-3 with a 3.82 ERA in 11 starts.

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