The Los Angeles Dodgers officially opened camp Thursday morning with pitchers and catchers reporting to Camelback Ranch for the start of 2020 Spring Training. They were accompanied by several position players, including Cody Bellinger, Max Muncy and Justin Turner, among others.
Of course, on the pitching front, much of the attention is with David Price. Mookie Betts was the headliner of the Dodgers’ trade with the Boston Red Sox, but Price figures to factor heavily into their success as well.
Price is coming off a down season that in some part has been attributed to a cyst in his left wrist. The 34-year-old underwent surgery last September to remove the cyst and deemed himself to be in good health at the Dodgers’ introductory press conference.
As Dodgers pitchers begin their formal throwing sessions and workouts, Price was among those to complete a bullpen session Saturday. Pedro Baez, Dylan Floro, Adam Kolarek, Kyle Lobstein, Edubray Ramos, Edwin Uceta, Julio Urias and Alex Wood also threw their first official bullpens of the spring.
Whereas Betts is on track to become a free agent after the 2020 season, Price remains under contract for three years. As part of the trade the Red Sox reportedly will send the Dodgers cash considerations that amounts to half of the $96 million owed to Price.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman is confident in Price’s ability to contribute and remain healthy throughout the season. It’s a sentiment Price agreed with.
“Absolutely,” he said. “I want to get out there as many times as possible, 30 starts, 33 starts, it’s what I’m used to. I know I haven’t been able to do that the past couple seasons, but that was the norm.”
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