Dodgers Highlights: David Price Reveals Plans for Baseball after 2nd Career Save
On Thursday, it was a different looking 9th inning for the Dodgers. One night after Kenley Jansen closed the door emphatically on a 4-2 LA win, it was David Price on the bump tasked to protect a 7-5 lead. It was his first save opportunity in more than a decade.
After soft contact led to back to back hits to lead off the inning, DP buckled down and struck out 2 of the next 3 Rockies to secure the club’s second straight series sweep.
Given that it was Jackie Robinson day, the Dodger left-hander was much more excited for the opportunity.
Price said that he cant repeat the words that he said when Doc told him he would be closing tonight.
So…we'll take it that he was excited lol
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) April 16, 2021
“I was pumped for it,” Price said after the game, adding “it’s definitely a different feeling” pitching in meaningful moments like a save situation. Beyond the save, the LA reliever was also able to take home a keepsake that’s been a long time coming. Moreover, Price kept the game ball and revealed his plans for it.
I got the ball… got it authenticated, so that was cool. I’ll probably send it off to my parents and let them put it on their mantle.
Usually, when you’re in your 13th big league campaign, you don’t get many opportunities at new keepsakes. This wasn’t his first save, of course. Back in 2008 as a rookie, he closed out game 7 of the ALCS, sending the Tampa Bay Rays to their first-ever World Series. However, that ball ended up in the back pocket of Rays’ second baseman Akinori Iwamura.
“I think it’s in Japan now,” Price said.
With the win, the Dodgers moved to an MLB-best 11-2 on the season and packed their bags for a highly anticipated series against the Padres in San Diego.
NEXT: Cody Bellinger Likely Out For Series Against San Diego Padres
How about either naming Price, Treinen or Knebel closer or tri-closer? I’ve seen enough of Jansen blowing saves, leads or losing games!
Jansen blew game one of the Padres series. Bring on Price as the closer!!!
David Price showed his stuff in his last 2 relief efforts …. he’s found his stuff that he starred with against us in the 2018 series. Don’t be surprised if he gets into the starting rotation. Go Blue!!
Price has come full circle: started out as a reliever, became a starter for most of his career, and finishes as a reliever. And it makes sense.
Guys coming up from the minors need that adjustment period, because at the MLB level, everyone is good. So, start out as a reliever, progress to a starter for the bulk of your career, then finish in the bullpen.
Dennis Eckersley is probably the best example. But, in the ‘old days’ most young pitchers entered the league as relievers until they adjusted to the quality of the game, then became starters. Once you’re no longer an effective starter, you go to the bullpen. Here’s David Price. And, it could soon also be Clayton Kershaw…