Price feels 'normal' after throwing for first time

ST. PETERSBURG -- David Price threw for the first time prior to Monday afternoon's contest against the Marlins at Tropicana Field.

"It felt really good. It felt normal, so it was a very positive day," Price said.

Price left his May 15 start against Boston with a left triceps strain, and he went on the disabled list the following day. The reigning American League Cy Young Award winner has said in recent days that he felt no pain. He allowed that Monday's activity brought him a sense of relief.

"Yeah, getting out there playing catch and feeling as good as I did, it's definitely a relief," Price said. "I didn't feel like I was going to have negative news at this point. But it's definitely good to have a positive."

When asked about his return, Price noted that he needed to "buy into" his rehab. He referred to watching Rays head athletic trainer Ron Porterfield give a talk to a group of youngsters.

"He said it's like a scab," Price said. "If you pick at it, it's going to continue to bleed, and the scab is going to be there a long time. You have to give it time to heal. It's the same thing that's going on right now. We don't want any setbacks. I want to come back and stay back."

Rays manager Joe Maddon said that he talked to Porterfield, and "he was pretty impressed" with what he saw from Price on Monday.

"He thought he threw pretty well, actually, better than he thought he was going to throw today," Maddon said. "Nothing too strong [to report] right there, except he's doing pretty well."