Dodgers pitcher David Price has chosen to sit out of the 2020 MLB season, citing his and his family's health.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher David Price has chosen to opt out of the 2020 MLB season, the left-hander announced Saturday.
"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 wrote on social media. "I will miss my teammates and will be cheering for them throughout the season and on to a World Series victory."
Price, 34, was preparing to make his debut in Los Angeles after being traded from the Boston Red Sox, along with Mookie Betts, in February.
In his announcement, Price acknowledged that he plans to make his debut with the Dodgers in 2021.
"I'm sorry I won't be playing for you this year, but look forward to representing you next year," Price wrote to Dodgers fans.
Price joins a group of MLB players who have chosen to sit out the 2020 season, including Ryan Zimmerman, Mike Leake, Ian Desmond and others. Under the MLBPA's agreement with the league, MLB players have the ability to opt-out due to their concerns over COVID-19. On Friday, the two parties announced that 31 players had tested positive for coronavirus in the league's initial testing as teams return to training camps.
Price is coming off a 2019 season in which he recorded a 4.28 ERA and 7-5 record in 22 games started. The 12-year MLB veteran was named a Cy Young award-winner in 2012 and won the World Series with Boston in 2018.