Dodgers News: David Price opts out of 2020 season

The Los Angeles Dodgers will not have starter David Price for the 2020 season.

As the Los Angeles Dodgers have returned for summer camp at Dodger Stadium, starter David Price has announced he will opt out of the 2020 season. He made his announcement in a tweet on Saturday afternoon.

"“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,” Price wrote in his announcement. “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.”"

The 34-year-old left-hander was due to make $11.9 million on a pro-rated salary for the upcoming 60-game season. Beyond 2020, he has two more years left on his contract that will pay him an additional $64 million.

While he has yet to pitch a game for the Dodgers, the veteran southpaw has already endeared himself to his teammates through his generous gift of paying each minor leaguer in the organization $1,000 for the month of June.

The Dodgers will have to play this season without David Price.

Price was acquired in the offseason in the trade that brought superstar Mookie Betts to Los Angeles. While the Red Sox are picking up part of his salary, his inclusion was designed to help save Boston money in their efforts to drop below the luxury tax.

Dodgers president Andrew Friedman told reporters on Saturday that Price reported to Dodger Stadium on Wednesday intending to play, but reconsidered after talking with his family.

Shortly after Price made his decision to opt out known to the public, the Dodgers issued a statement of support.

"“The Dodgers fully support David’s decision to sit out the 2020 season,” the statement read. “We have been in contact with David and we understand how much this deliberation weighed on him and his family. We know he’ll be rooting hard for the club every day and look forward to having him back with us in 2021.”"

The Dodgers are set to begin the season with Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Julio Urias, and Alex Wood in their starting rotation. With Price opting out, it opens the door for Ross Stripling to join the rotation. Stripling was almost traded to the Angels in the offseason, but the deal fell through.

Manager Dave Roberts could also decide to use one of his young arms, such as Dustin May or Tony Gonsolin, as both will lose the opportunity to stay sharp in the minors this season, so this could be a good opportunity for them.

With Major League Baseball trying to return amid a global pandemic, each individual player needs to make the difficult decision of whether they feel comfortable returning to play. Angels superstar Mike Trout recently expressed his own reservations about playing. It’s not an easy decision.

This is a breaking story. Please check back as more details become available.