Price jokes he'd play 'a lot of Fortnite' to avoid pitching in All-Star Game

David Price has a plan to avoid potentially pitching in the All-Star Game next month, and it involves picking up a controller.

The Boston Red Sox left-hander has been pitching well of late and could have a chance at being selected on the roster by Houston Astros manager A.J. Hinch, but believes there are players more deserving.

"I feel like if (Hinch) did, it would just be to get me to throw an extra inning," Price joked Tuesday, according to Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald. "And that would be a pretty pro move on his part. I'll come up with something, if I am an All-Star, so I won't have to pitch. I'll play a lot of Fortnite the night before, so I'll be down (unavailable)."

Price was diagnosed with a mild case of carpal tunnel syndrome in early May after complaining of reoccurring numbness in his hand when he pitched. While it was suggested that Price's carpal tunnel was the result of playing too many video games, he disagreed, but said he would cut back on playing Fortnite at the field because it had become a distraction.

As for pitchers from his own team that Price thinks are deserving of an All-Star nod, he named fellow southpaw Chris Sale, as well as a trio of relievers.

"I ain't going. I'm not an All-Star," Price said. "Craig Kimbrel is gonna get his, I didn't vote for Craig because he's Craig Kimbrel, he's going to get his votes. I voted for Joe Kelly and Matt Barnes. Actually I did vote for Craig. Joe, Barnes and Craig. Craig doesn't need votes. His name is going to get him in."

Price has been an All-Star five times during his career, but not since 2015. He's 8-4 with a 3.76 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 79 strikeouts in 81 1/3 innings. Over his last seven starts, he owns a 2.64 ERA.