The Los Angeles Dodgers added a former MVP and Cy Young Award winner in one fell swoop when they acquired Mookie Betts and David Price from the Boston Red Sox prior to the 2020 season.
Price did not play that year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic but returned for the 2021 season. He was used in multiple roles, opening the year as a reliever before starting games for a portion of the second half.
After a relatively successful debut campaign with the Dodgers, Price began last season with a clear role out of the bullpen. He hoped to earn a spot in the starting rotation but was slow to build up during Spring Training due to annual left elbow soreness.
Price then missed nearly a month’s worth of games after testing positive for COVID. Although they weren’t disclosed at the time, he also battled various other injuries with his arm, elbow and wrist throughout the year.
Despite the health issues, Price proved to be effective, finishing 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA, 3.88 FIP and 1.17 WHIP in 40.1 innings pitched across 40 games.
David Price 2022 highlight
Price was at his best in August as he won both of his decisions and posted a minuscule 1.50 ERA to go along with a 0.50 WHIP over 12 innings of work across 12 appearances.
The 37-year-old pitched to a 1.00 ERA and 0.79 ERA with 11 strikeouts against four walks in 18 games during the second half of the 2022 season.
2023 outlook
Price was among the Dodgers players who reached free agency at the start of the offseason. As reports surfaced that the five-time All-Star may retire after the 2022 campaign, his agent Bo McKinnis confirmed he won’t pitch this year.
However, McKinnis stopped short of saying Price has officially retired. The 2018 World Series champion conceivably could sign with a team during the upcoming season if he has a change of heart or wait until the following year to return to the mound.
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