Price rocked for 7 runs as Tigers lose to Pirates 7-3

LAKELAND, Fla. -- David Price didn't want to end spring training this way.

Price was rocked for seven runs over six innings in his final tuneup for opening day as the Detroit Tigers lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-3 Tuesday.

"I just wanted to work on some things, last-minute things," Price said. "I know I need to make better pitches, but body-wise I feel fine."

Price is to start Monday's opener against Minnesota, ending Justin Verlander's streak of pitching seven straight Detroit openers.

Before Detroit acquired him from Tampa Bay last year, Price pitched home games in a dome. He said cold weather won't bother him.

"I grew up in Tennessee and I have always pitched well in places like Baltimore, Boston, Detroit," he said. "I would rather pitch in the cold than the heat. No big deal."

Price cruised through the first three innings before allowing four runs in the fourth on RBI doubles by Andrew McCutchen and Jung-ho Kang. and Francisco Cervelli's two-run homer. Cervelli, who is hitting .344, had an RBI single in the sixth and Sean Rodriguez a two-run single.

Price allowed eight hits, struck out five and walked none. He finished spring training with a 5.76 ERA.

FOR STARTERS

Pirates starter Vance Worley gave up one run and three hits in three innings.

"I'm where I want to be" Worley said. "I'm getting ready for the cold. For me, I just need to get into a routine of not knowing when I'll be pitching. I know I will start some games this year."

Worley, who went 8-4 in 17 starts for the Pirates last season, found out from Pirates manager Clint Hurdle before the game that he was beaten out by Jeff Locke for the final spot in the Pirates rotation. Worley will pitch out of the bullpen at the start of the season.

"He'll get plenty of chances to pitch this year and he'll get some starts," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Tigers: RHP Bruce Rondon pitched one inning and struck out the side. He's been out with a sore neck. Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said Rondon may pitch on Wednesday to get back-to-back outings. Ausmus said he is being patient with Rondon but he wouldn't bring him north unless he pitches on consecutive days. ... Verlander is still recovering from a cramp in his right triceps. He is day to day and there are no plans to pitch him yet.

DOWN ON THE FARM

PIRATES: The Pirates sent LHP Rob Scahill and RHP John Holdzkom to Triple-A Indianapolis and reassigned RHP Blake Wood to the minor league camp.

"It was tough, especially with John," Hurdle said. "He put himself in the competition. We'll see those guys this year."