David Price diagnosed with left triceps strain, likely to miss at least one start

An already disappointing start for reigning American League Cy Young Award winner David Price ran into another hurdle on Wednesday night after the left-hander was forced to exit his start against the Boston Red Sox with what was originally termed as "tightness in his left triceps" and later diagnosed as a strained triceps.

Price, who entered the game with a 1-3 record and a 4.78 ERA, had a fairly encouraging beginning to his outing, holding Boston off the scoreboard in the first two frames despite allowing two-out doubles in each. He then ran into serious trouble in the third after walking Stephen Drew to begin it. That was followed by three singles, the last of which was delivered by David Ortiz. It was at that point Price could be seen looking at his arm and shaking the fingers on his left hand while half-heartedly backing up the plate.

Head athletic trainer Ron Porterfield and manager Joe Maddon quickly converged on the scene to check him out. After a couple minutes of discussion and more hand shaking, the decision was made to get him out of the game and it was about an hour later than we heard the triceps tightness report.

It wasn't until after the Rays finished their 9-2 loss to the Red Sox and an MRI was completed that we received a more thorough report. Roger Mooney of Tampa Tribune provided those details via Twitter.

#rays Maddon said MRI on Price left triceps showed "nothing serious but we'll make a better call tomorrow."

— RMooneyTBO (@RMooneyTBO) May 16, 2013

#rays Maddon said Price unlikely to make next start Monday. Will make decision Thursday on who will make that start

— RMooneyTBO (@RMooneyTBO) May 16, 2013

My guess is a DL stint will be required to ensure Price gives the arm the proper amount of rest and doesn't risk unnecessary aggravation, but a follow up MRI in a couple days may tell a different story. Playing it safe with their ace is definitely the way to go, and it's not as if the Rays lack the options for a short-term callup with Jake Odorizzi off to a terrific start at Triple-A. They also have Chris Archer coming off his taste of the big leagues last season, so he could easily slot in there for two or three starts.

Bottom line, though, at least this doesn't sound like an injury that will cost Price a significant amount of time as long as it's treated wisely and effectively.

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