FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Making his first Grapefruit League start -- and first start of any kind in a competitive environment since last July 22 -- Boston Red Sox pitcher David Price gave up one hit and one walk in four innings Thursday against a Toronto Blue Jays lineup that featured only three regulars. He established his fastball and cutter early on, then incorporated his changeup and even his curveball the second time through the batting order.
And when he was finished throwing 55 pitches (34 for strikes), as the Red Sox were still in the process of a 7-5 victory, Price praised the team for intentionally taking it more slowly than usual with him and fellow ace Chris Sale this spring in an attempt to keep them fresher and stronger late in the season.