Boston Red Sox

Red Sox not sure when Price will pitch next after being hit

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 4:04 p.m. ET

CHICAGO (AP) — Boston Red Sox pitcher David Price visited a hand specialist on Thursday, and manager Alex Cora said he isn't sure when the left-hander will make his next start.

Price was hit on his left wrist by a line drive in the third inning of Wednesday night's 14-6 win against Miami at Fenway Park. Cora said Price is OK, but he doesn't know if he'll take his turn in the rotation next week in Atlanta.

"We'll see how he feels the next few days and then we'll go from there," Cora said.

Price, who turned 33 on Sunday, stayed behind in Boston to see the doctor while the rest of the team hit the road for the opener of a four-game series against the White Sox. But Cora said Price was on his way to Chicago.

"He texted me last night and was in good spirits," Cora said.

Price is 14-6 with a 3.60 ERA in his first 26 starts for the AL East-leading Red Sox.

Cora said he isn't sure who will pitch against the Braves if Price is unavailable. He mentioned Hector Velazquez as a possibility, or the Red Sox could opt for one of their promotions when major league rosters expand on Saturday.

Boston also is missing ace lefty Chris Sale, who is on the disabled list with mild shoulder inflammation. Sale played catch Thursday for the fourth straight day.

"We have a plan," Cora said. "It all started already with playing catch and like I've been telling everybody back home, we'll use him when he's ready, but we do believe he's going to be stretched out. When he has to pitch, if this happens, he's going to be ready to go full blast."

Cora also said Mitch Moreland is feeling better after the All-Star first baseman missed Wednesday's victory because of a bruised left knee. Moreland was out of the lineup against Chicago, but was available off the bench.