Maddon encouraged by Price's rehab start

NEW YORK -- Rays manager Joe Maddon was encouraged about the reports on David Price, who made his first rehab start Friday night. Pitching for Class A Charlotte at Bradenton, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner allowed one earned run on two hits and two walks while striking out four in 2 1/3 innings.

"He did well, he did real well," Maddon said. "The velocity was really good, like up to 96 [mph] I heard. He didn't pitch at that, but he arrived at that. Then the curve and the cutter and the changeup were all good. He felt very good afterwards. It was a positive experience."

Price was placed on the disabled list on May 16 with a left triceps strain. The Rays are 18-17 in his absence.

Maddon said Price would be re-evaluated before a decision is made about his next appearance.