Prior to Sunday’s series finale the Los Angeles Dodgers placed David Price on the injured list, amid other roster moves, without a designation. Following his club’s 10-2 win, manager Dave Roberts revealed Price tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).
The left-hander was experiencing some symptoms, which prompted him to take a test. Price, who was walking through the Dodgers clubhouse before the game began, is fully vaccinated.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts did not have close contact with the 36-year-old, and he downplayed concern over Price’s interactions with teammates prior to learning of his positive test, which could lead to contact tracing or other health and safety protocols.
“You don’t know until you know, but right now no one has symptoms,” Roberts said. “We do that (monitor) daily, so I think we’re in a good spot.”
Roberts wasn’t certain if the veteran was going to head to his home in Southern California or the Phoenix area. The Dodgers are continuing their road trip Monday for the start of a three-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Price has allowed one run and has five strikeouts in 4.2 innings pitched across five relief appearances this season. He last pitched in the series opener at Petco Park, throwing a scoreless inning.
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 hoping to prove value
In the final season of his contract, Price went into Spring Training hoping to rebound from some inconsistencies last year and earn a spot in the Dodgers’ starting rotation.
He was delayed in getting into a Cactus League game because of annual elbow soreness, but both in the spring and regular season has pitched well.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!