In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, MLB not only cancelled the remainder of Spring Training and delayed the start of the 2020 regular season, but players were afforded the option to sit out.
For the Los Angeles Dodgers that amounted to David Price opting out in the best interest of his family. “The Dodgers fully support David’s decision to sit out the 2020 season,” the team said in a statement back in July.
“We have been in constant contact with David and we understand how much this deliberation weighed on him and his family. We know he’ll be rooting hard for the club every day and look forward to having him back with us in 2021.”
Unfortunately, matters have only worsened in the United States since Price made his decision. As the calendar turned to 2021 and hope springs eternal, the veteran promoted safety and wearing a mask out of concern matters may only continue to get worse.
291k covid cases yesterday. Mask up and stay safe everyone. It’s about to get really really bad…
— David Price (@DAVIDprice24) January 3, 2021
The situation has been particularly dire in Southern California, where hospitals have either reached or hovered around 0% capacity in intensive care units for the past month. It prompted a slate of new shutdowns and restrictions, but also animosity as frustration and tension levels rose.
As it currently stands, MLB is hopeful to begin both 2021 Spring Training and the regular season on schedule. However, there already are doubts over that timeline. One report suggested Spring Training could be delayed and the regular season reduced to 130 games.
The MLB Players Association has made it clear their intention is for players to report for the start of camp and play a full season.
Will David Price play for Dodgers in 2021?
Due to not being considered a high risk, Price opting out of the 2020 season meant forfeiting his salary as well. It’s unclear if MLB will present players with a similar option for 2021, but indications to this point are that Price will be with the Dodgers.
Should that be the case, he will further strengthen a starting rotation led by Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw, and due to feature some combination of Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May and Julio Urias as well.
Price is due to become a free agent after the 2022 season.
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