Major League Baseball made headlines with reports they made changes to baseballs in use for the 2021 season in order to limit the record home run outputs of recent years.
The reason this is such a big deal is because MLB had consistently denied they juiced the balls despite evidence of the contrary and it being universally known by players that something was amiss.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher David Price is among those to notice that as he took to Twitter to call out the league.
Did I see MLB is “slightly” deadening the baseball?! I thought MLB said it hadn’t been juiced? lol pitchers knew all along!! Baseballs had a different feel and a different sound. Happy to see they’re attempting to go back to the regular baseball…
— David Price (@DAVIDprice24) February 9, 2021
Price’s tweet led to a light-hearted exchange with L.A. Angels star Mike Trout.
lol I think you’ll still be alright! 😂😂😂
— David Price (@DAVIDprice24) February 9, 2021
It will be interesting to see how much, if at all, this change affects how many home runs are hit this year. There is no doubt that pitchers like Price are happy about the change though, whereas hitters like Trout would prefer the older balls with more carry.
Price is entering his first real season with the Dodgers after opting out the 2020 season due to coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns.
The 35-year-old has already said he plans to play this season, as he joins a rotation that is the best in all of baseball, including Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw, Trevor Bauer and Julio Urias.
The Dodgers also have a pair of young starters in Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin to provide some depth.
Roberts excited for return of Price
Price’s name has been involved in some trade rumors this offseason as the Dodgers won the World Series without him in 2020 and would be able to save some money if they dealt him.
It doesn’t appear that will be happening though as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently expressed excitement to get Price back in the rotation in 2021.
He looked great pitching for the Dodgers in Spring Training last year, so it will be interesting to see how he looks this spring after a full year off.
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