Price wasn't initially open to bullpen move: 'I definitely wanted to start'

David Price could end up being a vital piece to the Boston Red Sox come the postseason, but he wasn't totally sold on his new bullpen role when the opportunity was first presented to him.

"They knew what I wanted to do. I definitely wanted to start," Price told Dave Sheinin of the Washington Post.

Price spent seven weeks on the disabled list with elbow inflammation before he was activated last week. The Red Sox opted to use their most expensive pitcher in the pen, rather than in the rotation, as manager John Farrell acknowledged that there wasn't enough time to build up his arm before the end of the regular season. While Price was initially reluctant about the move, he did admit to understanding the team's logic.

"It would have been tough to build me back up at that point. I get it," Price said.

Price made his first relief appearance for the Red Sox on Sunday in Tampa Bay, and exceeded expectations. The left-hander tossed two perfect innings, while striking out two. He topped out at 95-mph.

The addition of Price to the bullpen could be a major weapon for John Farrell in the postseason, and while the former Cy Young winner wishes he could be in the rotation, just being able to get back on the mound is enough for him.

"I'll be able to help - maybe not as much as I would as a starter, I feel like, but that time of season, I know how big that is, to have a guy who can (pitch in that role)," Price told Sheinin. "If we make it to October and I throw the ball extremely well coming out of the 'pen, it doesn't matter that I wasn't a starter. I just want to help these guys win."