Rays Spring Game 25 Preview: David Price’s Last Start Before Opening Day

The Rays will play their final home game of Spring Training tonight against the Baltimore Orioles. More importantly, it will be David Price’s last start before he takes the mound on opening day. The lineup will be filled with regulars and some relievers will be making what is likely their last appearance until the opening day roster is officially set.

Matt Joyce, DH
Wil Myers, RF
James Loney, 1B
Evan Longoria, 3B
David DeJesus, LF
Desmond Jennings, CF
Logan Forsythe, 2B
Ryan Hanigan, C
Yunel Escobar, SS

Starting Pitcher: David Price

Price has been impressive this spring to the say the least. In 13.1 innings pitched he’s struck out 15 hitters while only walking 2 and his spring ERA sits at 2.70. His command has been sharp and he looks ready to toe the rubber on Monday. Look for him to get deep into tonight’s game and make his final preparations for Opening Day.

The lineup features mostly players you will see in the lineup on Opening Day. It’s interesting that with David DeJesus and Desmond Jennings in the lineup tonight, Matt Joyce is leading off. DeJesus and Jennings will likely be splitting the leadoff duties to begin the season. Wil Myers has been red hot at the plate lately after struggling the first few weeks of spring and appears to have found his form. Ryan Hanigan will also get another opportunity to catch Price before this upcoming season and further familiarize himself for the former Cy Young Award winner.

Grant Balfour will get into tonight’s game and continue to build up arm strength after suffering a dead arm earlier this spring. Brandon Gomes and Juan Carlos Oviedo will both be pitching at some point in the game tonight. Gomes has pretty much solidified himself in the Rays’ bullpen to start the season, as he has looked sharp this spring and really impressed the coaching staff. Oviedo will most likely begin the season on the disabled list after arriving late to camp due to visa issues. After missing the entire 2013 season recovering from Tommy John surgery, sending Oviedo to get some extra work in extended Spring Training could be very beneficial to him.

The game is at 7:05 PM tonight and will be on Sun Sports and MLB Network. The game can also be heard of WDAE 620 AM/ 95.3 FM. Check back here at Rays Colored Glasses for the recap after the game.