Farrell hopeful but realistic about Price's chances of returning in '17

Boston Red Sox left-hander David Price hasn't appeared in a game since July 22, and his season is in jeopardy.

Manager John Farrell said he's hopeful about Price's chances of returning to the mound in 2017 while also recognizing that time is running out, according to the Boston Herald's Jason Mastrodonato.

"There’s still hope," Farrell said, "but I think we’re also realistic here too that he’s got to build up to an aggressive long toss situation, not in terms of overall distance, but number of throws with some aggression and build-back to the mound. That’s still going to take some time."

Price was placed on the 10-day disabled list with elbow inflammation on July 28 and his rehab has been rocky.

As of Friday afternoon, Price had not yet begun a new throwing program because of lingering "stiffness." Farrell was non-committal about whether that stiffness is located in Price's elbow or shoulder.

"I can't say it's not either," he said. "Just dealing with some symptoms that he came out of the game in L.A. (on July 22) with and they persist."

Price has made only 11 starts this season, posting a 5-3 record with a 3.82 ERA over 66 innings. An elbow issue forced the 31-year-old to miss nearly the first two months of the campaign before making his debut on May 29.

The lefty's second season in Boston has not gone according to plan, as it's been mired by feuds with the media in addition to his injury troubles and general struggles on the mound.

Price is set to receive $157 million over the next five seasons with the Red Sox, but he does have a clause in his contract allowing him to opt out after 2018.