The Los Angeles Dodgers juggled their starting rotation earlier in the week to line up a bullpen game against the Miami Marlins and push Clayton Kershaw back to a Friday start.
However, Kershaw landing on the 10-day injured list required David Price to serve as an opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks in yet another bullpen game for the Dodgers. They successfully navigated them for a month’s stretch but have hit a bit of a rough patch recently in such games.
Price did his part in the series opener at Dodger Stadium, throwing three scoreless innings despite allowing four hits and issuing one walk. The 51 pitches were the most Price has thrown this season and are expected to serve as a building block into the starting rotation.
“Whatever these guys want me to do, I’m willing to do for them,” Price reiterated. “Starting obviously is something I’ve done for a very long time now, but I’ve also enjoyed being in the bullpen as well. Whatever is asked of me moving forward, I’m all for it.”
Price added he is scheduled to take batting practice with Dodgers starting pitchers on Saturday, but otherwise wasn’t yet informed of plans moving forward. Assuming it is shifting into the rotation, it will require the veteran left-hander to stretch out much like a Spring Training progression.
“Honestly, I think it’s easier to do it in-season as opposed to Spring Training. In Spring Training, that’s the first time you’re really throwing with that intensity. For me, Spring Training is always the toughest part of the season to get through,” Price said.
“It’s those buildups. Right now, with the amount of times I’ve thrown and played catch, I personally think it will be easier to do it now than Spring Training. But don’t know; I’ve never really done it. That’s just kind of the way I feel.
“I think I threw 55 pitches [Friday] and still felt good whenever I was out there on the mound. I think it’s easier to do it now as opposed to in Spring Training.”
Price encouraged by velocity in starts
Friday’s game was only the fourth start Price has made this season, and it coincided with an increase in velocity that may be a sign of what’s to come with a role change.
“I felt good through my entire outing. That’s always good. I feel like the games I’ve opened this year, my velo has been a little bit higher,” Price noted.
“That’s just being able to get in the weight room before, get stretched by Travis, doing my stuff in the training room and then going straight out to throw. That’s what I’ve always done. My body feels really good whenever I start.”
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