With the Los Angeles Dodgers still deciding on a fifth starter for their Opening Day rotation, they expected to get a final look at David Price this spring in the Freeway Series opener at Angel Stadium.
However, Price was scratched from his scheduled start against the L.A. Angels. “I just learned this morning that he didn’t feel well,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the game. “He left Arizona [Saturday], woke up this morning and didn’t feel well.”
Roberts could not offer a definitive answer when asked if Price feeling under the weather was potentially a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19). “You know what, right now I don’t know. The training staff is handling it,” he said.
If there’s a silver lining to be found, it’s with Price now being scheduled to pitch Monday during a simulated game at Dodger Stadium. Walker Buehler had previously been scheduled to do so in his final tuneup before the regular season.
The Spring Training book closed on Price at a 2.70 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in three games (one start), striking out four batters across 6.2 innings of work. Even with being scheduled for a start against the Angels, most indications are Price will begin the season in the bullpen.
Buehler generally enjoyed a successful spring, with the exception of two outings. One was allowing a pair of home runs to the Texas Rangers on March 7, and the Milwaukee Brewers slugged four long balls in Buehler’s last Cactus League start March 23.
Buehler nonetheless was comfortable with his progression throughout camp and what benefit came from throwing more regularly during the winter.
Dodgers may not decide on set fifth starter
With Price expected to pitch Monday, Roberts said the Dodgers will then gather to continue discussing their options for a fifth starter. However, their choice could easily change after the first turn through the rotation.
“I think right now, whoever that fifth starter can be, that first time through we’ll just kind of see how it goes,” Roberts said. “I think having other people built up gives us a few more options.”
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