Spring Training Game 11: Time For A Price Check

David Price will officially make his second start of Spring Training today at 1:05 PM in Port Charlotte against the Minnesota Twins. His last start got rained out and he was forced to throw a simulated game. Here’s the Rays’ lineup today.

Desmond Jennings, CF
Wilson Betemit, DH
Evan Longoria, 3B
James Loney, 1B
Yunel Escobar, SS
Matt Joyce, RF
David DeJesus, LF
Jose Molina, C
Cole Figueroa, 2B

Starting Pitcher: David Price

In his first outing, Price went 1.2 innings allowing 1 run on 1 hit and also hit a batter. His command was pretty sharp and he will look to continue that as he continues to prepare for his start on opening day. Price’s fastball velocity was mostly in the low 90s in first start and will hopefully creep up a bit before opening day. His loss of velocity on his fastball was well noted in 2013 but he was able to pitch effectively in the low 90s. He’ll also be looking to work on his secondary pitches (especially his change-up).

The Rays’ lineup features mostly regulars today with David DeJesus rejoining the lineup today as he’d missed the last few games due to soreness in his right side. Evan Longoria homered in yesterday’s game in Fort Myers against Boston and is starting back-to-back days. Yunel Escobar is also starting back-to-back games at shortstop. Matt Joyce gets the start in rightfield today and will look to continue hitting well this spring. He’s currently in line to take the bulk of the playing time at DH in 2014. Wilson Betemit played in his first game of the spring yesterday and went 0 for 2 with a strikeout and a walk. He will look to make the most of his at bats this spring since he is competing for a roster spot and got a late start into camp due to visa issues. Cole Figueroa made a nice defensive play in yesterday’s game to rob Dustin Pedroia of a hit and has quietly had a pretty nice spring. He will start the year in Durham but could be a name to watch as a possible injury call up.

Joel Peralta and Grant Balfour were scheduled to get into the game today in relief but both have been rescheduled to pitch tomorrow in a minor league game.

The game isn’t on TV today but you can listen to it on MLB.com radio. Rays Colored Glasses will have the game recap after the game.