David Price To Opt Out Of 2020 Season, Plus Other Notes

COVID-19 has caused yet another player to sit out the season in Major League Baseball. This time it is David Price of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Price came over with Mookie Betts in a blockbuster trade with the Boston Red Sox and he was expected to be a big part of their run for a title. Still, the Dodgers have a deep pitching staff, so it may not hurt them all that much, especially in a shortened season.

David was slated to be their 3rd starter in the rotation but they will now turn to either Dustin May or Jimmy Nelson to fill his spot. Price just spent four seasons with the Red Sox and he went 46-24 with a 3.84 ERA in 103 games (98 starts) for them. He has a Cy Young in his career while being named to the All-Star game five times, plus Price has won the ERA title twice. He will be a huge part of the team next year. Price joins Ryan Zimmerman, Joe Ross, Mike Leake, and Ian Desmond as players who have opted out so far. He is by far the biggest name though.

Dear Dodgers Nation,

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!

Other MLB Quick Hits

New York Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka was hit in the head by a line drive in a simulated game today. It was struck off the bat of Giancarlo Stanton. Ouch!! Tanaka was "alert, responsive, and walking under his own power'' according to the Yankees and he is now undergoing testing at New York Presbyterian Hospital… The Cleveland Indians are currently reviewing options into a possible name change to their nickname.. They are following in the footsteps of the Redskins, who are doing the same.

Some Info Gleaned From CBS Sports, MSN Sports & Bleacher Report