Rays correspondent Marc Topkin reports that Tampa Bay lefthander David Price, the first overall pick in last year’s draft, is set to make his pro debut Thursday with high Class A Vero Beach.

The 22-year-old Price, out since spring training with an elbow strain, recently completed a rehab stint at extended spring training. Because his contract negotiation went down to the signing deadline last year, Price did not suit up for a Tampa Bay farm club in 2007.

Rays center fielder Desmond Jennings, on the other hand, remains sidelined with injury, this time a sore left shoulder. The 21-year-old began the season on the disabled list with a back injury and has not yet had a chance to build on his breakout 2007 season. Jennings batted .315/.401/.465 with nine home runs and 45 stolen bases for low Class A Columbus last year.

And Giants correspondent Andy Baggarly has an update on injured righthander Henry Sosa: He’s working three-inning stints in extended spring in preparation for a full-season assignment, which appears imminent. Sosa, 22, had arthroscopic knee surgery in October, after completing a breakthrough season in which he went 11-5, 2.58 with 139 strikeouts in 126 innings.