Price may toe rubber against Royals in finale
TORONTO -- The Blue Jays haven't announced who will take the mound when they wrap their four-game series against the Royals on Sunday at Rogers Centre. The decision hinges on when newly acquired ace David Price joins the team, and whether or not he'll be ready to go in the finale.
Prior to being dealt from the Tigers to the Blue Jays on Thursday, Price's next start was slated for Sunday, which would nicely align with the Blue Jays' rotation schedule. But nothing's certain yet, said manager John Gibbons.
"That's his day, but things have happened so fast, we're not sure exactly when he's gonna get here," Gibbons said ahead of Thursday's series opener. "We'll talk to him. He could throw that day, he may need an extra day, who knows? He carries a pretty good workload, but you want him to pitch as often as you can."
After the Blue Jays designated Felix Doubront for assignment on Wednesday, the team was left without a fifth starter. That made the Price acquisition especially timely, but there's a possibility he won't debut with Toronto until Monday. In that case, the club would likely turn to veteran knuckleballer R.A. Dickey and have him pitch on one day short of regular rest.
Video: Blue Jays get Price from Tigers for three prospects
"That's probably what would have to take place," Gibbons said.
Detroit reporters saw Price doing his regular side work at Camden Yards on Thursday after he'd been traded.
Price, who's 9-4, 2.53 ERA, has performed well on extra rest. The lefty is 4-0 with a 1.57 ERA in the six starts he's made on five days' rest this season.