Dodgers: David Price Expects to Pitch in 2021

David Price chose not to play in his first year with the Dodgers in 2020. Just a few months after being traded from Boston, the veteran LHP opted out of the season in favor of looking after the health of his family. And really, no one can blame him for making a decision for his family. 

The coronavirus that continues to tear through the country and the world shut down baseball during Spring Training last year. It did not return until July when the league and Player’s Union agreed on terms of a restart. Price did arrive at the Dodgers Summer Camp, but obviously felt it was in the best interests of his family to sit this one out. 

David Price on @MLBNetwork said his arm feels really good after sitting out 2020 season “My arm feels better than it did a year ago or even 6 months ago.” #Dodgers

— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) January 14, 2021

This week, the Dodgers LHP said that he feels good about where MLB is in relation to the virus. He also said that barring any setbacks, he does plan on being there at the start of Spring Training. Price spoke with USA Today while attending a Player’s Alliance event in Phoenix this week. 

I think baseball did a pretty good job with it last year, being able to limit the cases that spread. They proved it can work. I’m sure they learned a lot from last year, and I look forward to seeing what kind of changes they make and plan on doing going forward…We’ll see what happens over the next month, but my plan is to be there for the start of spring training.

All of this happens around the same time that MLB commissioner Rob Manfred told teams two things: be ready for Spring Training to start on time, and be ready for 162 games. That was released in a memo to teams earlier this week and could be the reason why free-agents have started to sign. The Dodgers getting Price back might be their biggest addition for the 2021 season and beyond. 

Related: Arizona Officials Want to Delay the Start of Spring Training

Adding Price into the mix means a few things for the Dodgers pitching staff. It allows for an immediate 1-2-3 of Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw, and Price. But it also means that there are 2 spots left to compete for with 3 guys in the mix. One of Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, or Julio Urias will move to relief to fortify the bullpen. 

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