Price to get 2nd opinion Friday following inconclusive MRI

After news broke Thursday morning that the Boston Red Sox were concerned about the health of left-hander David Price after he experienced soreness in his left elbow and forearm following a simulated game Tuesday, manager John Farrell provided some encouraging news about the situation in the afternoon.

Farrell told reporters, including Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe, that an MRI conducted on the pitcher showed swelling and some fluid buildup, but results were inconclusive. He said Price had actually improved between Wednesday and Thursday.

The 31-year-old Price, who was scheduled to make his spring debut Sunday, will visit Dr. James Andrews and Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Friday at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis for a second opinion.

"He came out of the two-inning sim game the other day with some increased soreness. So we're holding him out," Farrell said, according to Tim Britton of the Providence Journal.

"We're taking every precaution. Yes, we are concerned, as we would be with any player. There's a couple things. We've got a little bit of history with David and what his progression through spring training has been. He's battled this seemingly in every spring training. We will acknowledge that this one has got a little bit more intensity to it. That's why we're taking every step and scratching him for Sunday."

Price has been one of the most durable pitchers in baseball during his career, tossing 200-plus innings in six seasons, twice leading the league in innings pitched.

After signing a seven-year, $217-million contract with the Red Sox prior to the 2016 season, Price went on to post a 17-9 record with a 3.99 ERA across 230 innings pitched.