David Price was back in the Los Angeles Dodgers clubhouse on Wednesday, but the team did not add him to their active roster and when he will come off the COVID injured list is unclear as a six-game road trip begins Friday.
Price had been away from the team for more than one week after testing positive on April 24. He is fully vaccinated but was experiencing some symptoms.
“He has passed the COVID protocols, so he can be around our ballclub. The plan is to have him make his way out to Chicago, to Wrigley Field, because that’s the ballpark he hasn’t been able to visit, which is crazy,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
While Price is traveling for the team so he can visit Wrigley Field for the first time in his career, the left-hander still needs to complete a throwing program before being reinstated.
“The timeline, we’ll see when he’s activated,” Roberts added.
It’s possible Price will go on a rehab assignment, but the Dodgers intend to leave such decision up to the veteran.
Prior to going on the IL, Price pitched to a 1.93 ERA and 1.07 WHIP over five relief appearances. He went into Spring Training hoping to earn a spot in the Dodgers’ starting rotation but was slow to build up due to annual elbow soreness.
Price potentially could be moved into the rotation if there are more injuries, or Tony Gonsolin or Tyler Anderson struggle, but for the time being he appears set for a role out of the bullpen.
Price ahead of White
At the time of Price’s positive test, Roberts downplayed concern over a potential outbreak in the Dodgers clubhouse. The team did appear to avoid as much, though Mitch White was put on the COVID IL on April 30.
It’s unclear if White contracted the virus from Price, but what is certain is he remains in the initial stage of recovering.
“I think right now he’s still in that 10-day window where he’s got to be isolated,” Roberts said.
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
