The Dodgers will run out of one of their renowned weapons as they try to win their first World Series since 1988.
David Price became the last MLB player to opt out of the 2020 season, announcing his decision with a social media post on Saturday. He was ready to start his first season in Los Angeles after being traded to the Dodgers as part of the deal by Mookie Betts in February.
“After much thought and discussion with my family and the Dodgers, I have decided that it is in my best health and the health of my family not to play this season,” Price wrote. “I will miss my teammates and cheer them on throughout the season and until victory in the World Series. Sorry, I won’t play for you this year, but I hope to represent you next year. Stay safe, be fine, and be kind. And let’s go Dodgers!
The 34-year-old left-hander is the fifth MLB player to say he will not participate in baseball’s 60-game season during the coronavirus pandemic, joining Mike Leake, Joe Ross, Ryan Zimmerman and Ian Desmond. Price, who still has two years remaining on his contract, will lose about $ 12 million by not playing this season. He has earned $ 184 million in 13 seasons.
“The Dodgers fully support David’s decision to stay out of the 2020 season,” the team said in a statement. “We have been in constant contact with David and we understand how much this deliberation weighed on him and his family. We know that he will strongly support the club every day and we hope he will come back to us in 2021. ”
The price was 7-5 last season with a 4.28 ERA in 22 starts, with the Red Sox. It was closed in September due to an injury to the left wrist.
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