Heading into the 2022 regular season the perceived weakness for the Los Angeles Dodgers was in their starting rotation. Walker Buehler and Julio Urías are frontline starters, but there were questions with Clayton Kershaw’s health and how the backend of the rotation would hold up.
The group has been a strength so far this season, with Tony Gonsolin and Tyler Anderson stepping up in the absence of Andrew Heaney and other key pitchers currently on the injured list.
David Price hoped to be part of the rotation, but was slow to build up in Spring Training due to annual elbow soreness, and began the year in the bullpen. He has been sidelined since the end of April due to a positive COVID test, but recently cleared protocols and is throwing in preparation for a return.
According to MLB insider Peter Gammons, the Dodgers could trade Price at some point this season to give him a full-time opportunity in the starting rotation:
Tales:Some club people say Reds now willing to talk Luis Castillo and Tyler Mahle, Dodgers will move David Price to give him starting opportunity and two GMs today said A’s won’t trade Frankie Montas for at least two months. The Montas chase will be the running of the bulls.
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) May 9, 2022
Trading Price would remove a substantial amount of salary from the Dodgers’ payroll and have luxury tax implications. However, it’s possible they would need to pay a portion of the remaining money. Price is in the final year of his contract.
Prior to going on the IL, Price pitched to a 1.93 ERA and 1.07 WHIP over five relief appearances. The veteran is not expected to need a Minor League rehab assignment before re-joining the Dodgers, but manager Dave Roberts noted it will mostly depend on how his arm rebounds after the brief shutdown.
Price traveled with Dodgers to Wrigley Field
Now symptom-free, Price accompanied the Dodgers on their recent road trip so he can visit Wrigley Field for the first time in his career.
When he does return, Price appears set to keep his role in the bullpen. He potentially could be moved into the rotation if there are more injuries, or Gonsolin or Anderson begin to struggle.
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