While the Los Angeles Dodgers made their way to American Family Fields of Phoenix for a road matchup with the Milwaukee Brewers, David Price remained at Camelback Ranch to pitch in a “B” game.
Prior to first pitch between the Dodgers and Brewers, manager Dave Roberts relayed Price had already completed one “clean inning” and was throwing 89 to 91 mph. Following the Dodgers’ loss, Roberts indicated Price’s velocity increased.
“He got through four innings, near 60 pitches or something like that. He pitched well, 91 to 93 (mph), changeup, breaking ball, all that stuff was good,” Roberts said. “He came out of it positive.”
Velocity readings and their importance during Spring Training is an endless debate, but Roberts anticipates the veteran left-hander to pitch at the level he has in previous seasons.
“We’re still trying to learn what we have as far as taking a year off. The last couple years he’s pitched right around there, so I would expect the same from him in ’21,” Roberts said of Price’s ability to hold in the neighborhood of 93 mph.
Next for the 35-year-old is an appearance during the exhibition Freeway Series early next week, though the Dodgers are undecided whether that will come in the form of a start or entering out of the bullpen.
Roberts cautioned not to read into the team arranging for Price to pitch on the same day as Buehler. “We said from the outset we wanted David to build up, we wanted Tony to build up, we wanted Walker, Julio and all these guys,” Roberts said.
“I think this gives us that way to do that and ultimately when we have to make a decision and name five starters, we can do that as well.”
Urias, Nelson active on off day
The Dodgers have their final break in the schedule before the start of Spring Training, but unlike their first off day, the team will keep busy Wednesday. Jimmy Nelson and Julio Urias are both scheduled to pitch in a “B” game at Camelback Ranch.
Urias figures to open the season as a starter, while Nelson likely will be in the bullpen.
Gonsolin may be bumped
As the Dodgers continue to evaluate options before settling on an Opening Day rotation, there’s some uncertainty in the immediate future for Tony Gonsolin.
“All I know is Tony is still building up. I think the next time it’s a five- or six-inning exercise, so I’m not sure what day he’s throwing,” Roberts said.
Should Gonsolin’s day to pitch fall on a start for Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler, he too will be bumped into a “B” game setting.
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