Top pick LHP David Price (left elbow) said he felt good after another live batting practice session Tuesday, mixing in his entire repertoire in a 40-pitch stint to hitters at the minor league facility in St. Petersburg.

Price practiced going up-and-down, taking a few minute break in the dugout between his two 20-pitch sessions, simulating a live game. Though Price said he's still a little "scared" to throw at 100-percent strength, the pitches he's thrown, "aren't causing any pain, so that's a good sign."

Price said he's planning to pitch Friday in an extended spring game, the first of three-to-four outings there before his first start at Class-A Vero Beach. The 22-year-old had performed well in spring, including his dazzling debut against the Yankees in Tampa, but was sidelined in late March when he suffered a muscle strain in his left elbow.

Price's last start was June 1, 2007, when he pitched for Vanderbilt in the NCAA Tournament.

"It's been a long time," Price said. "I'm ready to get back out there."

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

[James Borchuck, Times archives]