The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic forced Major League Baseball to cancel the remainder of Spring Training and postpone the start of the 2020 season. When a 60-game schedule was finally imposed by commissioner Rob Manfred, players had the choice of opting out.
For the Los Angeles Dodgers, this amounted to David Price exercising that right. The left-hander impressed during the early portion of Spring Training and left a sizable void in the rotation, but the organization nonetheless was understanding of his decision.
Price’s absence created more opportunities for the likes of Ross Stripling, Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin and Julio Urias. Despite being away from the Dodgers, Price still regularly communicated with his teammates and coaching staff.
Now as the focus shifts to the 2021 season, it remains to be seen if players will be granted the opportunity to opt out again. Price, however, made it clear he plans on being with the Dodgers for the start of Spring Training after seeing how MLB navigated last season, via Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
“I think baseball did a pretty good job with it last year, being able to limit the cases that spread,” said Price. “They proved it can work. I’m sure they learned a lot from last year, and I look forward to seeing what kind of changes they make and plan on doing going forward. We’ll see what happens over the next month, but my plan is to be there for the start of spring training.”
With Price presumably set to return to the mound this year, he figures to slot in as the Dodgers’ No. 3 starter behind Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw, who could be aligned in any order. The trio will be backed by some combination of Gonsolin, May and Julio Urias, and others in the Minors could eventually factor into the equation as well.
Price has two years left on his contract and is due to earn $64 million — with the Boston Red Sox covering a portion of that as part of the trade.
Price shares video of recent workout
Price recently shared a clip from a recent bullpen session with the caption “Never felt better!!” — another indication he plans on pitching this season.
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