David Price to AAA

[Another Blown Save]

Price optioned to Triple-A Durham
Left-handed pitcher one of five sent down on Wednesday

By Bill Chastain / MLB.com

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Lefty David Price will start the season in the Minor Leagues.

The Rays' top prospect headed a list of five players optioned to Triple-A Durham on Wednesday night.

Joining Price were outfielder Justin Ruggiano, infielder/outfielder Elliot Johnson, catcher John Jaso and shortstop Reid Brignac.

These cuts indicate that the No. 5 spot in the rotation is now a two-man competition between Jeff Niemann and Jason Hammel.

Meanwhile, Ruggiano was a surprise, since the Rays will be without B.J. Upton at the beginning of the season, and Ruggiano appeared to be a leading candidate to be the fifth outfielder.

[rookies and cream]

This was expected given Hammel and Niemann's situation. Wonder how long he'll be down though. Over/under = 1 month?

[Yoda]

This was expected given Hammel and Niemann's situation. Wonder how long he'll be down though. Over/under = 1 month?

It will depend on: A. how the rotation holds up, B. how he is pitching, C. his health. I'd say over 1 month.

[KCollins1304]

I hope one of those guys bomb before May.

[Havok1517]

I wish they would just move Niemann to relief already and let him thrive there as he's too injury prone to start on a regular basis.

[raiders_umpire]

Pretty much to be expected. I imagine we see him in Tampa around the middle of May, unless an injury occurs. He has been working on his changeup all preseason, so now he can get in some games with the changeup, fastball, and slider all working. I don't understand the situation with Ruggiano though, as he definitely is not ready for PT at the major league level. Even with Upton out a week or so, 2 Gabes, Crawford, Zobrist, and Burrell should be able to man the outfield for a week or so.

[raiders_umpire]

I hope one of those guys bomb before May.

If Hammel is the 5th SP, there probably will be a bombing for sure. Maybe the Pirates or some team can give the Rays something halfway useful for Hammel after his first start.

[Neato Torpedo]

So, who wasted a 12th round draft pick on him? *doesn't raise hand*

[jtsandwich]

I had to declare 3 keepers 1 month ago and can't change them other than drop him. I kept Price for $5 and E. Santana for $4. Completely F'ed.

Should I even keep Price? Or get the $5 back.

[hybrid]

I had to declare 3 keepers 1 month ago and can't change them other than drop him. I kept Price for $5 and E. Santana for $4. Completely F'ed.

Should I even keep Price? Or get the $5 back.

You could only keep 3 and you chose 2 SP? Almost asking for it ... as for what you should do, this is the wrong forum and its impossible to say with out knowing your roster.