Price believes he's been 'terrible' to start season

Despite the spats with the local media and Twitter followers, David Price continues to be his biggest critic.

The Boston Red Sox left-hander battled through another uncomfortable start Sunday against the high-powered Houston Astros, allowing three runs off eight hits and three walks in five innings.

Price was credited with the win to help improve himself to 2-1 on the season in what was a 6-5 victory for the Red Sox, but he still hasn't been happy with his body of work five starts in.

''It's just been terrible,'' Price told reporters. ''It's been bad. It's not me. I can throw the baseball better. That's the bottom line.''

Price missed all of spring training and the first two months of the season due to an elbow injury and has struggled with his command early on. He had an encouraging start June 3 against Baltimore (his second of the season) in which he allowed one run over seven innings, but has posted a 6.75 ERA in three starts since.

Walks have been an issue for Price through his last three appearances. He's walked 11 and struck out 13, while also allowing five home runs. Part of his struggles could be blamed on a blister that has developed on his left ring finger, though Price has been adamant that it's not bothering him physically.

Despite his own evaluation of his performance, Price has received strong encouragement from manager John Farrell, who is happy with where his starter is at this point.

"I thought he was strong," Farrell said of Price on Sunday, according to Christopher Smith of Mass Live. "But there's more and better pitching that's going to come from David Price."