Rays Spring Game 17: David Price Hopes to Give Red Sox A 2014 Preview

On Sunday, the Grapefruit League-leading Tampa Bay Rays will take on the Boston Red Sox and send one of the best pitchers in baseball, David Price, to the mound. Price will make his first start since being officially named the Rays’ Opening Day starter. Here is the Rays’ lineup.

1. David DeJesus, CF
2. Ben Zobrist, 2B
3. Evan Longoria, 3B
4. James Loney, 1B
5. Yunel Escobar, SS
6. Matt Joyce, RF
7. Wilson Betemit, DH
8. Logan Forsythe, LF
9. Ryan Hanigan, C
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Starting Pitcher: David Price

Price was incredible last time out, striking out 8 while walking just 1 in 5 innings of work. He will hope to do the same against the division rival Boston Red Sox, as the Rays hope to enter the season with some bragging rights.

In terms of the lineup, we will get to see mostly regulars, but the one interesting thing is Logan Forsythe playing left field. Forsythe has 14 career games in the outfield, and the Rays will hope to keep honing his versatility to maximize his value to their team. Forsythe replaces Wil Myers, who will be out at least one day after fouling a ball off his right quad. Also starting is Wilson Betemit, who hopes to keep working his way into additional playing time after appearing in just 6 major league games in 2013.

Appearing behind Price will be Heath Bell, Mark Lowe, and Juan Sandoval. Lowe has a very interesting opportunity ahead of him now after Juan Carlos Oviedo reported so late to spring training, and he will hope to impress today to give himself a chance. Sandoval, meanwhile, will hope to keep working his sinker touching 93 MPH and sharp slider to earn an opportunity later in the year.

The game will begin at 1:05 PM, and you can catch it on Sun Sports or MLB.TV. Enjoy the game, and check back at Rays Colored Glasses for the recap when it’s done.