FORT MYERS, Fla. — David Price gave up consecutive homers in the second inning of his Boston debut Thursday and the Minnesota Twins beat the Red Sox, 8-2.

Signed as a free agent to a $217 million, seven-year contract to bolster a staff with the AL’s second-worst ERA last year, Price, a 30-year-old left-hander, threw 53 pitches in three innings, mostly fastballs.

David Price threw 53 pitches over three innings in his first game with the Boston Red Sox, and is expected to be allowed to throw up to 70 pitches in his next appearance.

“The body felt good,” Price said. “I made some pitches, didn’t execute some but that’s to be expected right now.”

Price, the 2012 AL Cy Young Award winner and five-time All-Star, gave up Brian Dozier’s double on his first pitch. Eduardo Escobar and Kurt Suzuki homered over the left-field wall, with Suzuki’s drive caroming off the foul pole.

Price knows a lot will be expected of him with a high price tag.

“The expectations that I have for myself far exceed any manager or teammate or fans’ expectations for myself,” he said.

“If I can just go out there and throw the baseball the way I’m capable of throwing it, then I’ll be satisfied.”

Price allowed four hits, walked one and struck out three.

Manager John Farrell felt like Price’s pitch total nearly went too far.

“He was getting close to the limit for the day, being the first time he’s gone three innings,” Farrell said. “We’ll look to add another 15 pitches to his next one and begin to get into the 60, 65-pitch range.”

Price said he felt like he had good command of his cutter. He got two strikeouts swinging – Kennys Vargas and Trevor Plouffe – with cutters in the dirt.

“I had a good feel for it, both inside to righties and back door,” Price said. “It’s a big pitch for me. I feel like I can expand the strike zone a little bit for my fastball and change-up.”

NOTES: Boston left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez, who injured his right knee during workouts nearly two weeks ago, threw on the side but Farrell said “there’s no time frame” to get on a mound. … Right-hander Koji Uehara pitched in a simulated game Wednesday and feels he’s ready for exhibition action. …

A swarm of bees went flying by Boston’s clubhouse about two hours before the game while David Ortiz was outside on his cell phone, but no one was stung. On his first at-bat he fouled a ball off his right foot and limped badly but stayed in the game. …

Hanley Ramirez, converted to a first baseman, turned and ran toward right field to catch a foul pop but had the ball bounce in play behind him.

“The wind pushed it back down,” Farrell said. “I think all those types of angles will be refined as he gets games under his belt.”

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