ATLANTA -- Red Sox lefty David Price is likely to start Friday against the Astros and Chris Sale will return at some point during the upcoming homestand, according to manager Alex Cora.

Price was slated to start Monday but was pushed back after getting hit with a comebacker against the Marlins on Wednesday. He's dealing with a left wrist contusion that made it unlikely the Sox would be willing to start him in an N.L. park.

"He feels that he can pitch on Wednesday actually, but obviously it doesn't make sense for him to grab a bat," Cora said. "So we'll go over the weekend, most likely Friday. We'll see how he feels today. It looks like Friday will be the day."

Sale is throwing off a mound Tuesday, with that bullpen session determining Boston's course of action. Cora said there are a few potential plans for Sale, including using him as a one- or two-inning "opener" or having him throw a simulated game in Boston.

"[His] bullpen is the most important thing," Cora said. "Then we can figure out what we're gonna do."

The team hopes Sale will be able to make two full starts before the end of the regular season as he gears up for October. The lefty has only made one start since Aug. 1 due to shoulder inflammation.