When the Los Angeles Dodgers were just into the beginning stages of Summer Camp, David Price announced his decision to opt out of the 2020 season due to risks associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19) and in the best interest of his family.
Price wasn’t the first to make such a decision, nor was he the last. The Dodgers fully supported Price putting his family first, and he has remained in close communication with manager Dave Roberts and team as a whole.
Whereas some players elected to opt back into the 2020 season, there hadn’t been any indication the left-hander was considering doing so. With the deadline to be postseason eligible looming Tuesday at 8:59 p.m. PT, Price confirmed he is not returning this year, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
“To try and get back out there, the negatives would definitely outweigh the positives,” Price said. “I don’t want to make a couple of appearances and throw the ball just fine, then something happens and I have to shut down — I don’t want that to make me miss 2021. My focus right now is to be 100 percent ready to go in 2021 for the Los Angeles Dodgers.”
Due to not being considered high risk for the virus, Price was not eligible to receive pay and service time for the 60-game season. His $32 million salary was prorated to just under $12 million for this season, though none of which Price received.
After this season, Price will be under contract with the Dodgers for two more years.
Dodgers were open to Price returning
Although the deadline for players to opt in had passed, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman recently indicated there was an avenue for Price to still return — like with Miami Marlins infielder Isan Diaz reversing his decision.
“The way I understand it is you have to seek commissioner approval,” Friedman explained. He added conversations with Price on that possibility had not been held.
“I’ve talked to him a decent amount and texted during games. We have not discussed that, but he’s definitely very locked in on Dodger baseball, that’s for sure,” Friedman said.
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