David Price’s relationship with Boston media just keeps getting weirder.
The lefty was asked Tuesday about if he was excited about his next start — which will come against the Yankees on Sunday night.
“I don’t think I’ll be able to [go],” Price said, sarcastically. “I don’t think so.”
A reporter asked if he’d be playing the video game “Fortnite” instead.
“Yeah, ‘Fortnite,'” he deadpanned.
Price went just one inning in his lone start against the Yankees this season, coughing up four runs in what was a 10-7 loss for Boston on April 11. He was scheduled to start against the Yankees in May, but was scratched with hand numbness. The Yankees have always given him trouble, as he’s posted a 4.67 ERA in 39 career appearances against them.
The Boston media also has proven a difficult hurdle for Price to leap. Price, who had played in Detroit, Toronto and Tampa before signing for $217 million before the 2016 season, has frequently bickered with the press around the Red Sox. Last month, he repeatedly told reporters, “I’m soft,” appearing to fire back at media who have questioned him.
“If it’s cold I can’t pitch. If my hand’s tingling, I can’t do my job. That’s it,” Price said, via CBS.
Price has an opt-out in his contract after this year, which makes little financial sense to utilize — he has not been the dominant pitcher the Red Sox hoped for and couldn’t get more on the market — but he may prefer a lower-pressure situation.
For now, the Red Sox hope he’s only kidding about his Yankees start. The Bombers hold a mere half-game lead in the AL East, so this weekend will be vital in determining control of the division going into July.


