The Los Angeles Dodgers need a starting pitcher after seeing most of their depth vanish due to multiple injuries and the investigation into Trevor Bauer.
Although David Price has made 314 career starts since his MLB debut in 2008, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts does not appear keen on moving the veteran from the bullpen into the rotation.
“It’s possible. I don’t know if it’s practical,” Roberts said on Friday. “It’s something we’ll probably talk about. Just knowing where we’re at until we get to the (All-Star) break, it’s going to be two days where we need a starter, so there’s not a whole lot you can do in that time. That’s something we’ll talk about and see if it makes sense.”
Price is willing to move to the starting rotation if that’s where he is needed, but understands why the team is reluctant to change his role.
“I think it’s more of David is willing to do whatever we ask,” Roberts reiterated. “I think if you’re talking about number of pitches, I don’t see anything more than 40. However we want to kind of use that, and all of it is contingent on how he’s throwing the baseball and feeling too.”
While Price could end up being used as a starter, Roberts said the buildup to get him ready to start is not ideal. If it does happen, it would be for the short-term.
“I think the argument is looking at potential internal options, also having the ability to deploy David four times a week and impact a game like that — which he’s really done a nice job in that role,” Roberts explained.
“So to change that, there’s still a cost with any decision we make regarding David’s role, in my opinion.”
Dodgers short on pitching
While the options are limited right now, mainly due to Josiah Gray’s shoulder injury, the prospect could eventually factor into the equation.
“JoJo, as I understand, is going to be in games and starting to build up,” Roberts said. “So Josiah Gray is a guy, certainly Edwin Uceta is a guy. To get David to build up, that’s a big commitment too. David is open to anything, but it’s just not that easy right now.”
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