David Price Says He Will Not Play 2020 MLB Season With Dodgers
LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP) -- Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher David Price, traded by the Boston Red Sox to LA earlier this year, has announced he will not participate in the 2020 MLB season. Price is one of a handful of players who have said they won't play the upcoming season shortened by the coronavirus pandemic.
"After considerable thought and discussion with my family and the Dodgers, I have decided it is in the best interest of my health and my family's health for me not to play this season," Price tweeted Saturday afternoon. "I will miss my teammates and will be cheering for them throughout the season and on to a World Series victory. I'm sorry I won't be playing for you this year, but look forward to representing you next year."
David Price spent four seasons in Boston, winning a World Series ring in 2018. The Red Sox traded him and star outfielder Mookie Betts to the Dodgers for outfielder Alex Verdugo and prospects.
Price has a $217 million, seven-year contract that runs through 2021. He was going to make $32 million this season, with the Red Sox paying $16 million of that, before the virus shut down the sport.
Price had already made his own contribution to the Dodgers organization.
In late May, Price said he would give $1,000 each to 220 minor leaguers to help their offset costs. There will be no minor league baseball this year because of the pandemic.
MLB teams have started "summer camps" before a 60-game season begins later in July. First baseman Ryan Zimmerman of the World Series champion Washington Nationals, Colorado outfielder Ian Desmond and Arizona pitcher Mike Leake are among those who have already said they're out this year.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
