ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — David Price admits it’s going to be tough to pitch against his old pals.

The former AL Cy Young winner returned to Tropicana Field on Tuesday for the first time since the Tampa Bay Rays traded him to Detroit on July 31. Price is scheduled to start the finale of a three-game series on Thursday afternoon.

Price says he “made a lot of long-lasting friendships” during his time with the Rays. He says he’ll not to smile when he’s on the mound.

The left-hander made his major league debut with Tampa Bay in 2008 and had spent his entire career with the team before the trade.

Price’s old locker in the Rays’ clubhouse now has a mini-basketball net attached to it. He says he wishes he’d thought of putting that up.

Price says he is not aware of any talks about a long-term deal with the Tigers. He can become a free agent after next season.

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