Ailing Boston Red Sox LHP David Price says arm is stronger

Starting pitcher David Price of the Boston Red Sox reported improved strength in his ailing left arm.

Price, who has not thrown off a mound since experiencing pain and swelling after throwing a simulated game on Feb. 28, played catch on Saturday.

"It felt good, it felt normal," Price told reporters in Fort Myers, Fla. "It was a good day."

Boston manager John Farrell noted that the strength level in Price's arm matched the level at which he arrived at training camp.

"We felt like he was improved to the point of initiating more throwing," Farrell said. "(It's) just to get the arm moving with a ball in flight, and we'll continue in this phase for a period of time."

The 31-year-old Price will begin the season on the disabled list and Farrell acknowledged there is no timetable for ratcheting up the left-hander's throwing program.

Price plans to travel with the team at the start of the regular season, as there are no plans for him to remain in extended spring training.

Instead, he will head out to one of the team's minor-league affiliates when he is ready to begin a rehab assignment.

In 2016, Price posted a 17-9 record with a 3.99 ERA and 228 strikeouts over 230 innings -- his first of a seven-year, $217 million contract with the Red Sox.