Price nearing return with 1st rehab start slated for Sunday

The Boston Red Sox could soon receive a major boost to their rotation.

Manager John Farrell said Wednesday that David Price is scheduled to make his first rehab start Sunday with Triple-A Pawtucket.

"We'd like to get him in the 70-pitch range, 70-75 pitches," Farrell said, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive. "So a significant step in his progression and eventual return to us."

Farrell added that Price would need at least two minor-league starts before coming off the disabled list, but if all goes well, the timetable would see him in the majors near the end of May.

Price, who has yet to make a start this season after suffering an elbow injury during spring training, completed a four-inning simulated game Tuesday and arrived to the field Wednesday without any soreness.

The Red Sox rotation could certainly use Price's presence with Steven Wright shut down for the season following knee surgery and Drew Pomeranz struggling with velocity.