David Price has pitched in front of smallish crowds before but this was something different altogether.

Throwing against a collection of Orioles minor-leaguers, and no crowd, Price recorded six sound innings on Wednesday afternoon.

Price called it "tougher" to get motivated in such an environment but he got through it with four hits allowed, six strikeouts and no walks.

It was a day off for the rest of the Rays, who are back in action Thursday against the Orioles in Sarasota.

Jeremy Hellickson will do the minor-league thing much like Price Thursday. That's because his first regular-season start will be against the Orioles.