Rays’ David Price Exits Game in 8th Inning With Back Injury

David Pricewas throwing a solid game against the Detroit Tigers. He had gone seven innings, allowed five

David Price felt back tightness and decided to leave last night's game in the eighth inning. (Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE)

hits, gave up two runs, and he struck out seven. In the eighth, while throwing warm-up pitches he called the trainer out and ultimately left the game. It was not clear at the time what the injury was, but we later learned he had back tightness.

Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune reported Price pulled himself from the game, and that Price plans to make his next scheduled start. That’s good news for the Rays who will need him if they have any shot of catching the Yankees.

Price is 11-4 with a 2.92 ERA this season. He has been the Rays best pitcher all year. In his last two outings, Price has tossed 14 innings and given up just three runs.

In his career, Price is 52-30 with a 3.11 ERA. He seems to be the center of trade talks around Tampa Bay almost every year. The Rays usually extend their players’ contracts early on, or they trade them. Price has already reach Super Two arbitration eligibility and is making $4.35 million this year. He will earn even more in arbitration next year if he keep ups this pace. Price is under team control until 2016, but the team has not yet shown whether they intend to extend his contract or trade him.

For more on the Rays, be sure to check out Rays Colored Glasses.