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By MARC LANCASTER

mlancaster@tampatrib.com

Published: March 26, 2009

PORT CHARLOTTE - The next time David Price takes the mound for the Rays, he should be in it for the long haul.

When that might occur is anyone's guess. Certainly, the Rays expect it to be this season, and sometime during the first half would be a reasonable expectation.

But because of concerns about Price's workload and some lingering issues with his development as a pitcher, the Rays made it official Wednesday that the top pitching prospect in baseball will open this season in the minors.

Price was optioned to Triple-A Durham along with four other young players the Rays hope will help them within the next couple of seasons: outfielder Justin Ruggiano, shortstop Reid Brignac, catcher John Jaso and utilityman Elliot Johnson.

The Ruggiano move was somewhat unexpected, since he appeared firmly in the mix for an Opening Day roster spot because of injuries to B.J. Upton and Fernando Perez that will keep at least one and probably both on the disabled list to open the season.

Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said Ruggiano still will have a shot to fill that void and the team is simply trying to get him more playing time as spring training winds to a close. But that decision would seem to bode well for veteran infielder Adam Kennedy's chances of making the team, at least until Upton's expected return early in the season.

The timetable on Price isn't nearly as clear. The left-hander said he was "not a bit" surprised to be sent down and "absolutely" believed that decision had been made long before he turned in a 1.08 ERA in 81/3 innings this spring. Still, he was clearly unhappy to be headed out.

"I haven't really been myself at all and I still competed and gave us a chance to win," he said.

That wasn't the point, in the Rays' eyes. They know Price already is capable of pitching effectively at the highest level. Their objective is to ensure he is fully available to do so should the team make another playoff run.

That means closely monitoring the innings he pitches so he doesn't make too big of a jump from last year's total of 1391/3, and that will be easier to do with him in the minors.

"We have expectations and hopes of playing in October," Friedman said, "and we feel like we'll be a better team with David as a part of that."

MORE RAYS COVERAGE, Page 2

Reporter Marc Lancaster can be reached at (813) 259-7227.

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