The Los Angeles Dodgers made a series of roster moves prior to Sunday’s matchup against the San Diego Padres, including placing David Price on the injured list without a designation. Manager Dave Roberts then revealed after the game that the left-hander tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).
Price was experiencing some symptoms, which prompted him to take a test. The 36-year-old, who was walking through the Dodgers clubhouse before the game began, is fully vaccinated.
Roberts did not have close contact with Price, and he downplayed concern over the veteran pitcher’s interactions with teammates prior to learning of his positive test, which could lead to players being unavailable because of contact tracing or other health and safety protocols.
Prior to Monday’s series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Roberts confirmed no other Dodgers players have shown symptoms of COVID-19 since Price tested positive, via SportsNet LA:
“Not at all, nope.”
Price’s roster spot was taken by Zach McKinstry, who first was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City as a corresponding move to Reyes Moronta getting called up. McKinstry was eligible to make an immediate return due to replacing a player put on MLB’s COVID-IL.
Price, who is in his second season with the Dodgers, has allowed one run and in 4.2 innings pitched across five relief appearances thus far. He last pitched in the series opener at Petco Park, throwing a scoreless inning.
Dodgers roster moves
Darien Núñez was designated for assignment in order to make room for Moronta on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster. Núñez went 1-0 with a 7.71 ERA in three games for Oklahoma City this season.
OKC placed him on the seven-day IL on April 14, and he’s now due to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. Núñez, who was signed out of Cuba in 2018, made his MLB debut with the Dodgers last season.
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