Price will start Game 5 for Red Sox on 3 days' rest

With a berth in the World Series on the line, the Boston Red Sox will turn to David Price.

Following Boston's 8-6 win over the Houston Astros in Game 4, manager Alex Cora named Price his starting pitcher for Game 5 of the ALCS on Thursday night. The oft-criticized left-hander now has the chance to earn his first career playoff win as a starter and pitch his team into the Fall Classic.

Price will take the mound on three days' rest. He's only made one other start on that short rest during his career, back in 2008 while a rookie with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Price spent the later innings of Game 4 warming up in the bullpen while Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel struggled to finish his two-inning save. It appeared as though Price was ready to enter the game during the ninth inning, though Kimbrel eventually closed out the win.

The 33-year-old Price last saw action in Game 2, when he allowed four runs while striking out four and walking four in 4 2/3 innings of work during an eventual 7-5 Red Sox win. His playoff struggles have been on full display this year, as he enters Thursday's start sporting an inflated 9.95 ERA across his two October outings.

Price has never earned a win as a starting pitcher in postseason play. His only two victories in the playoffs came in relief appearances in 2008 and 2015.

The Red Sox, who will get their first crack at eliminating the defending champions on Thursday, are trying to win their 14th AL pennant and fourth this century.

Justin Verlander, a former teammate of Price's in Detroit, will start Game 5 for Houston.