Dodgers pitcher Price to sit out the 2020 season
David Price has become the first Los Angeles Dodgers player to opt out of the 2020 season.
The left-hander made his announcement on social media Saturday afternoon, the second day of official workouts at Dodger Stadium.
“Dear Dodgers Nation,” Price posted, “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 to not play this season. 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.
“Stay safe, be well and be kind. And Go Dodgers!”
Price, 34, joins Nationals infielder Ryan Zimmerman as the most prominent players to make the decision not to play during the pandemic.
Price has two children under the age of 4. He is not believed to be in a high-risk category for exposure to COVID-19. If that is true, Price’s decision not to play means he will forfeit his 2020 salary, potentially about $11.85 million if MLB is able to play a 60-game regular season as planned.
In a statement released Saturday, the Dodgers said they “fully support” Price’s decision to sit out the 2020 season.”
Acquired from the Boston Red Sox in February, Price was added to the Dodgers’ trade for Mookie Betts as the Red Sox sought to shed the $96 million remaining on his contract over the next three years. The Dodgers are paying only half of that, with the Red Sox chipping in $16 million per year.
Price had been penciled in as the Dodgers’ No. 3 starter behind Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler. Julio Urias and Alex Wood now move up, with Ross Stripling the leading candidate to replace Price in the rotation. —Bill Plunkett
YANKEES’ TANAKA HIT BY
LINEDRIVE>> New York Yankees right-hander Masahiro Tanaka was struck in the head by a line drive from teammate Giancarlo Stanton during the team’s training camp on Saturday afternoon.
Trainers and teammates immediately ran to the mound at Yankee Stadium to assist Tanaka, who remained on the ground for several minutes. The Japanese hurler was able to walk off the field with some assistance.
The Yankees announced that Tanaka “is currently alert, responsive and walking under his own power. He is being sent to New Yorkpresbyterian Hospital for further evaluation and testing.”
The incident marred the Yankees’ first official workout since the coronavirus pandemic shut down the sport in March.
Yankees hitting coach Marcus Thames put a screen in front of the mound before left-hander Jordan Montgomery starting facing hitters again.
FREEMAN, PEREZ AMONG PLAYERS TESTING POSITIVE FOR VIRUS >> Four-time Allstar first baseman Freddie Freeman is one of four members of the Atlanta Braves to test positive for the coronavirus, manager Brian Snitker announced. Relief pitchers Will Smith and Touki Toussaint as well as shortstop Pete Kozma have all tested positive for COVID-19, per Snitker . ... Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez was sent home from camp after testing positive for COVID-19, the team announced . ... Third baseman Miguel Sano was among four Minnesota Twins players to test positive for the coronavirus, the team announced . ... San Diego Padres outfielder Tommy Pham tested positive for the coronavirus, San Diego general manager A.J. Preller said.
ROCKIES ADD KEMP >> The Colorado Rockies signed veteran outfielder Matt Kemp to a minor-league contract, the team announced. Kemp will be added to the Rockies’ 60-man player pool.
The 35-year-old Kemp had spent spring training with the Miami Marlins on a minor-league contract.
FORMER PHILLIES PITCHER DIES IN PLANE CRASH >> Former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Tyson Brummett and three others died in a plane crash in rural Utah. Brummett, 35, of Salt Lake City, was flying the small plane, which left from the South Valley Regional Airport in West Jordan and crashed near Box Elder Peak in American Fork Canyon just before 8 a.m. local time Friday, according to the Utah County Sheriff’s Office.
A witness said the plane went into a downward corkscrew motion as it crashed.
TV station WPVI reports all four people on board did not survive.
The passengers were identified as Elaine W. Blackhurst, 60, her husband Douglas Robinson Blackhurst, 62; and their nephew Alex Blackhurst Ruegner, 35. The three were from Riverton, Utah.