ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Joe Maddon remains hopeful that left-hander David Price will start for the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, though the manager fell short of guaranteeing the appearance will happen.
Late Friday, right-hander Jake Odorizzi was named Tampa Bay's starter for Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays in place of Price, who left Tropicana Field early Friday night because of an undisclosed illness. Price was scheduled to make his final start before the All-Star break Saturday.
"I think he's doing fine," Maddon said of Price. "I anticipate at this point that he will (start). But I'm still not 100 percent."
Currently, Price is the Rays' lone representative in the All-Star Game to be held Tuesday at Target Field. If Price pitches Sunday, he could elect to throw in the All-Star Game at a one-inning maximum, as outlined by MLB's Collective Bargaining Agreement. If Price chooses not to pitch in the All-Star Game, his replacement doesn't have to come from Tampa Bay's roster.
Price is 8-7 with a 3.42 ERA in 19 starts this season. He has allowed three runs and 11 hits in two July starts.
HANIGAN AND JENNINGS UPDATE
Catcher Ryan Hanigan and centerfielder Desmond Jennings were absent from the Rays' lineup Saturday, but Maddon said both could be used in emergency situations.
Hanigan was scratched from Tampa Bay's lineup Friday before a loss to the Blue Jays because of soreness in his left side. Jennings, meanwhile, exited the game Friday after fouling a ball off his left knee in the bottom of the second inning.
Maddon said he's hopeful Hanigan will be ready when the Rays open the season's second half next Friday against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. If Hanigan does play before then, Maddon said it will be on a limited basis. Maddon said Jennings' timetable for a return is unknown.
"He constantly says it's just not right, it's a little bit sore," Maddon said of Hanigan. "Like I said, he can play with it. But we don't want to push it right now."
BALFOUR CONCERNS
Reliever Grant Balfour had more issues Friday, allowing three runs and three hits with two walks in the ninth. It was the latest example of frustration in a year that has included plenty for the one-time All-Star.
"It's embarrassing, really," Balfour said Friday.
On Saturday, Maddon said Balfour's problems are mostly confidence-related. Balfour is 0-3 with a 5.60 ERA in 35 1/3 innings this season, though he had gone five consecutive appearances without allowing a run before Friday.
"It's just a matter in being confident in our stuff and going out there and letting it hang out and not being worried about the results," Maddon said. "Physically, he's fine. The stuff is good."
So what works when Balfour is pitching well? It's a simple formula: Work ahead of hitters and avoid walks.
"When he's on top of his game, I see him just go right after guys," Maddon said. "He's getting on top. He's getting good counts, and he's utilizing both pitches. But primarily, he pitches his fastball and then spots the slider more than overusing the slider. I like when he pitches that way."
WORTH NOTING
--- Fitting the All-Star Game theme, Maddon was asked who would perform well in a Rays Home Run Derby. Sean Rodriguez, James Loney and Jerry Sands were mentioned as those who would do well. Maddon said Rodriguez and Loney would face off for the title.
"Loney would surprise you," Maddon said. "Sean will not surprise -- you've seen it in the games."
--- Part of the reason for the Rays' struggle this season: Sustained losing at home. Tampa Bay began Saturday with a 20-28 home mark, the fourth-best record in the American League East. The Rays, by comparison, are 22-25 on the road.
"It's not working," Maddon said of his team's performance at home. "We've really made hay in this building in the past. It's just awkward to see that. To be outplayed in our building, we're just not used to it."
--- The Rays' loss Friday marked the first time they had lost consecutive games since dropping contests June 23-24 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. They fell back into last place in the AL East after the Boston Red Sox's 8-3 victory over the Houston Astros on Friday.
--- Joan Jett and the Blackhearts performed after the game Saturday as the third act in the Rays' 2014 Summer Concert Series. Jett threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.
