Price looking forward to a fresh second half

HOUSTON -- David Price could not have dreamed of the game he pitched Tuesday, coming off the disabled list with a seven-inning, three-hit, 10-strikeout performance.

Though missing the majority of the first half of the season, Price said that being in the DL would make him fresher.

"I've missed a lot of innings on my arm and my body," Price said. "I used this time [on the DL] correctly. It wasn't just a rest time. I continued to do all my work. I feel good."

Eager to get back on the mound, Price said pacing his return would pay dividends over the second half of the season.

"It's been a tough process, but we've done it the right way," he said.

Price said he liked the direction the team was headed as the second half of the season approached.

"We haven't played our best baseball," Price said. "With myself being out and [Alex] Cobb being out, we've had young guys step up. That's what you've got to have throughout the course of the season if you want to be playing into October."