MLB: Braves hoping to quickly promote James Loney

Newly signed Atlanta Braves first baseman James Loney might have a short stay with triple-A Gwinnett.

The Braves signed the 33-year-old Loney to a minor league deal on Thursday after learning their top player, Freddie Freeman, will miss about 10 weeks with a fractured left wrist.

Utility player Jace Peterson, who had no previous experience at first base, is making his second straight start at the position in Friday night’s game against Washington.

Peterson could be a short-term replacement.

Manager Brian Snitker says if Loney earns good reviews in a few games with Gwinnett “we’ll fire him in here.”

Loney hit .265 with nine homers in 100 games for the Mets last year. He was released from a minor league contract with Detroit on May 7.

Price stuggles in rehab start

Boston Red Sox ace David Price gave up three runs on five hits and lasted only two innings in making his first minor league rehab start since straining his left elbow in late February. Price was pulled after making just 65 pitches, which was 25 short of what he was projected to throw for triple-A Pawtucket at Buffalo. He struck out four and walked one.

The 2012 American League Cy Young winner opened the second inning by giving up a leadoff homer to Raffy Lopez, who hit a 2-0 pitch over the 371-foot mark in left-center field. With the bases loaded and one out, Price gave up two runs on Jake Elmore’s bloop single into right field.

The rough outing puts in question the hopes Red Sox manager John Farrell had in suggesting the 31-year-old Price could be called up to the majors as early as next week.

Price threw 41 strikes and 24 balls. It’s unclear how fast his pitches were because of technical difficulties involving the radar gun.

Etc.

Milwaukee slugger Ryan Braun could return as early as Sunday from a left calf strain. Braun, a stix-time All-Star, has been on disabled list retroactive to May 11. In 27 games, he has seven homers, 18 RBIs and is batting .287. ... Outfielder Jason Heyward is ready to return the Chicago Cubs’ lineup. Heyward expects to play Saturday against the Brewers after being sidelined for two weeks because of a sore knuckle on his right hand. He was hurt May 5 against the New York Yankees.