The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated David Price from the restricted list, per the club’s transactions page. Price becomes the 32nd player on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster with the procedural move that is par for the course come the offseason.
He had been removed from the 40-man roster upon deciding to opt out of the 2020 season due to family concerns related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Price was permitted to do so, though it came with forfeiting his prorated salary.
At the time of being acquired alongside Mookie Betts in a trade with the Boston Red Sox, Price figured to be the Dodgers’ No. 3 starter. His decision nonetheless was met with unequivocal support throughout the Dodgers organization.
Price was the lone member of the team to exercise the right to opt out of the 60-game season. Despite being away from teammates, the veteran left-hander remained in regular communication with them. Joe Kelly touted him for keeping involved from a distance and said he would often check in with words of encouragement and advice.
The ripple effect of Price’s decision was an opportunity in the starting rotation that was seized by Ross Stripling. However, he wound up being traded to the Toronto Blue Jays at the deadline in some part due to the emergences of Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May.
Price is right in 2021?
While Price has intended to return and play in 2021, the current trajectory of the pandemic does not look promising. It is unclear how MLB and the Players Association plan to navigate next season if there aren’t improvements.
However it unfolds, Price has two years and $64 million remaining on a seven-year contract he signed with the Red Sox. The 35-year-old also will be further removed from left wrist surgery that he already was optimistic would lead to better health than what he had last year.
With Price presumably in the fold, the Dodgers should boast a formidable starting rotation in 2021. It will feature Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw, and rounded out by some combination of Gonsolin, May or Julio Urias.
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