Burrell shows frustration

DH Pat Burrell has internalized his frustration most of the year. In Sunday's 4-0 loss to the Red Sox in the second game of a doubleheader, he let it get the best of him.

Pinch-hitting for Fernando Perez in the eighth inning with a runner at third, the struggling slugger tried to check his swing on a 1-2 pitch in the dirt from Jon Lester. Home plate umpire Lance Barksdale ruled strikeout. Burrell argued, and Barksdale ejected him.

"From my perspective, I thought he did swing," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "I don't know exactly what was said."

Burrell made a quick exit after the game and didn't comment. He went 0-for-4 in the Rays' 3-1 loss in the early game and didn't start the second game, as Maddon opted to use Carl Crawford at DH.

The starting left fielder for the World Series champion Phillies last year, Burrell is hitting 28 points below his career average at .227, with nowhere near the power numbers (13 homers, 58 RBIs) he put up the previous four seasons in Philadelphia.

After coming around a bit in August, he is 5-for-39 in September (.128), including 1-for-19 on the current road trip.

"All I ask is for intent and work and effort, and he gives that to you every day," Maddon said. "Sometimes it does not want to work out."

Which Price?

Still searching for the consistency that has eluded him throughout his rookie season, LHP David Price (7-7, 4.65 ERA) will pitch the opening game of the four-game series at Baltimore tonight.

The 2007 No. 1 pick has lost his past two starts, although he pitched well Tuesday in a 3-2 loss at New York. In his most recent win, Aug. 29 at Detroit, Price beat Nate Robertson in the longest outing of his career, allowing one run in 71/3 innings.

He held the Tigers scoreless through seven innings, with the lone run scoring after he was replaced by Dan Wheeler.

"I'm just trying to finish strong," Price said.

Price has cut down on his walks, but his 18.2 pitches per inning would be the highest in the AL if he had enough innings to qualify.

Odds and ends

CF B.J. Upton, battling a sprained left ankle, returned to the lineup for the second game and went 0-for-3. He said he's ready to play every day. ... RHP Andy Sonnanstine (6-9, 7.15 ERA) will get another chance to show he deserves consideration for the rotation next year. With Sunday's doubleheader creating an opening this week, he'll start Wednesday at Baltimore.

Tony Fabrizio