Talking surrounding Jon Lester and David Price has focused less on the two pitcher's abilities and more on the pending departures from their respective teams. Both Lester and Price have seen their names tossed around in trade rumors more times than they likely would prefer. They are both on expiring contracts which is opening themselves up to potential deals. For now, both Lester and Price must focus on going head-to-head in a Friday night game.
This could be one of Price's final starts for Tampa Bay. The former Cy Young winner is 10-7 with a 3.06 ERA on the year and facing the struggling Red Sox should only help. David Ortiz likes hitting off Price. He hit two home runs off him in the AL division series last year, but is questionable for this start after injuring his back. He finished the four-game series against Toronto with four home runs and eight RBI and is 9 for 27 against Price since the start of 2012.
The Red Sox have had success against the pitcher as a team. The team ripped him for seven runs in the playoffs. Price is 4-5 with a 4.24 ERA in 11 career home games against the team. Right now he is pitching well, helping Tampa Bay get back into the playoff contention.
Lester is also possibly making a final start for Boston after halted contract talks put him on the market. He is 10-7 with a 2.50 ERA on the year. In his last seven starts he is 4-0 with an 0.85 ERA. Boston has won all of those respective games. With his contract talks tabled until the end of the season, will Lester be able to focus against the Rays? He has won his last three starts against the team. He gave up just four hits while striking out 12 in their only matchup this season.
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