Price to make first big-league start Monday

LHP David Price will make his first major league start on Monday in Baltimore, manager Joe Maddon said Sunday.

Price, the 2007 top pick, has made two relief appearances since getting called up from Triple-A Durham, and was thought to be a top candidate to start the second game of a doubleheader on Tuesday, but Maddon liked how both Price and rookie RHP Mitch Talbot matched up against lefties, and so Talbot will start in Tuesday's late game.

In doing so, RHP Matt Garza - Monday's scheduled starter - will have his next outing pushed back until Saturday (he pitched on three days rest in his last start, so this could get him that extra rest).

RHP James Shields will still start the first game of the doubleheader Tuesday.

Comments

[MikeyA]

We are in a good position to save some innings on our starters this week, and starting Price is a good decision. However, I think Niemann is the better decision to start as he already beat Baltimore earlier in the year and could be auditioning for roation consideration next year. I also think Price starts next year in AAA, but gets the first callup for the rotation before the All-star break. I can see them dealing one or two of these 4 SP in the offseason, Hammel, Sonnastine, Jackson, or Niemann for some bullpen or bench help or even bolster positional depth for the farm. We have no positional prospects (Beckham, Jennings) versus the pitching depth within the organization (Price, Davis, McGee when healthy, Hellickson). what a year...Hope they keep it going til the last out of the season is recorded. I placed my Vegas bet in March at 150-1 to win it all.

[mo]

Neimann has been lights out over the last month

[Gene]

I think these are good moves. Clearly, having well rested starters going into the playoffs will be a big plus. I am sure that Joe and Hickey will be closely watching and not hesitate to pull them if needed. If they have strong outings, what a great confidence booster for them and the team. If not, any innings they eat are pitches our regular starters dont have to throw.

[Bill]

I agree, both of these moves are BIG risk............

[T]

Is Madden just trying to give the Red Sox the AL East? 1 rookie in this situation is not good, but 2? Esp when 1 looked like a scared deer in his 1st outing? I wouldn't even run Nieman out there. Isn't this Hammel's job(long relief, spot start)?

[Ron]

We need to win at least 4 and preferably 5 of these last 8 games.4 or 5 will put us at either 96 or 97 wins.Since we own the tie breaker over the Red Sux,if we win 4, they then would have to win 6 of their last 7 to pass us.If we win 5,the Sux would have to win all of their remaining 7 games to pass us.Naturally if we win 6 of 8, we would completely shut the Sux out.

Some fresh arms had to go this week. I would even say pitch Niemann in Shields' final start to help set the playoff rotation. If we can't score enough runs off Baltimore's terrible rotation and bullpen then we have some serious issues going into the playoffs.

[kazmiroholic]

I think they need to keep there starters sharp and not worry to much about these kids. joe has a lot of difficult decsions to make

i say we pitch price both times lol

[Amanda]

Lee-
Niemann pitched 1.1 innings on Friday. Even though it was a short outing, they probably don't want to start him just four days later.

[Lee]

Why not Niemann over Talbot?

[YankeeStadium]

Is anyone else watching the final game at Yankee stadium? I absolutely HATE the Yanks, but there is no getting around the fact that this is a sad day. That building is arguably one of the most important, and definately is the one of the most historic buildings in America. As I watched, and listened, to Yogi Berra's pre-game intro...I have to say I choked up a little bit. When I was young, before the Rays were ever dreamt of, I used to watch Yankees games on TV and dream about seeing a game there. Sadly, this will never happen.

I am really glad the Yanks didnt make the playoffs, and I am glad the Rays don't have to be there tonight too. As much as I despise the evil empire, I must say that I hate to see a place with so much memory, so much mystique, and so much history go away. Lets hope that the new Yankee stadium carries the "Curse of the RAYS!!!!!"

[Go Rays!!]

well..good or bad..it's going to make for an exciting week. I would say give Talbot another chance after the Sox game, but man I'll be on the edge of my seat. I got my plane tickets to Detroit. My daughter and I will be there next weekend! Maybe for an AL EAST clinch party?!? GO RAYS!!

[Amanda]

Bill-
Talbot struggled in his one outing, but look at the situation he was thrown into? "Here, kid, we're getting our butts whooped by the defending World Series winners and our All-Star starter has just crumbled. Ready to make your Major League debut? Here's the ball."
Was his performance an indication of his stuff, or just the situation? I'd like to see a bit more out of him before I pass judgment.

[Steve]

This is a HUGE stretch for the Rays to claim the East title.Talbot's not a turd,as you say,but starting him at this particular point,is a gamble!Hopefully things will work out.Is the reason Garza is getting a start off during such an important stretch because he has a tired arm?

[Bill]

I agree.....if you are going to start anyone it should be Niemann.......talbot got tore up in his one outing.

[T-Bots]

Steve, you say that as though Talbot is a turd. He is a good prospect and was the Rays pitcher of the year in AAA. They are already starting Price on Monday. If they are going to give Garza a start off, the only options are Talbot and Niemann.

[Steve]

Starting Talbot is a HUGE gamble. All of the rest of our games are too vital in securing the Division Title to be starting Talbot.