Spring has sprung for Boston’s Price

Pitcher debuts with four scoreless innings

Fort Myers, Fla. — David Price made his delayed spring-training debut for Boston, allowing one hit over four scoreless innings in a 7-5 win over Toronto on Thursday.

Price struck out five and walked one. An elbow injury limited to a career-low 11 starts last season.

"Felt good," Price said. "I had really good fastball command early. I made good pitches when I needed to. I stayed away from the big part of the plate with the exception of a couple of fastballs. I thought it was a good day.

Price retired the side in order in the first. After Teoscar Hernandez singled and Jason Leblebijian walked

starting the second, Reese McGuire sacrificed, Richard Urena was called out on strikes and Gift Ngoepe flied out. Price then retired the side in order in the third and fourth.

"He was great," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. "From the dugout it looked like his misses were just by an inch. He was on target, good tempo, very impressive for his first outing in a real environment, not a controlled one. He was great. Physically he looks like he's right where he has to be and now we'll move forward."

Price was 6-3 with a 3.38 ERA last year. He was to have pitched March 10 against Minnesota but was scratched when rain was forecast.

"It's one thing to throw extended bullpens and throw against minor leaguers," Price said, "but to throw against major leaguers and hear the national anthem play ... to see a different color jersey gets the juices flowing."

The 32-year-old lefthander is entering the third season of a $217 million, seven-year contract. He could opt out after this season.

"This is March 15 and I've never had a four-pitch mix this early in spring training," he said. "I've never been this far along even though I've only thrown in one game.”