Its public knowledge at this point that the Dodgers have more pitching than they can handle. Whether it’s in the rotation or the bullpen, the organization is going to have to make some tough decisions in the next couple of weeks. Who will make the rotation? What starters will shift to the bullpen? Who’s going to be the closer? Who seizes the second lefty spot in the pen? It certainly doesn’t help when you have pitchers who are taking the opportunity this spring to display their talent, making the decisions even harder.
However, having a veteran who understands that sometimes you have to sacrifice for the good of the whole team, can make things a less difficult. Of course, this veteran is David Price. Price finally was able to make his spring debut on Monday with a perfect one-two-three inning during the team’s 8-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox.
https://twitter.com/Starting9/status/1369047246185103360?s=20
Related: David Price Pays For a Month of Dodger Minor Leaguers’ Salaries
After the appearance, he mentioned in an interview with the media that he was open to any role the Dodgers needed him in.
“I expect to be ready to start by the regular season. But I told them, whatever they need me to do, whatever makes the 2021 Dodgers better, I’m all for it.”
Price has mainly been a starter throughout his whole 12-year career. However, he does have 10 appearances out of the bullpen over that time. Price’s willingness to move to the bullpen if necessary would open up a second spot in the rotation as the top three seemed like they are locked in with Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, and Trevor Bauer. That leaves Julio Urías, Dustin May, and Tony Gonsolin as the likely candidates to compete for the last spots.
Related:Trevor Bauer and Walker Buehler Should Compete for NL CY Young
Despite the openness to change his role, there hasn’t been any indication as of yet on where Price will start the 2021 season. After seeing a decline in his fastball over the past couple of season, he was clocked at hitting 94 MPH a couple of times during his first outing which should benefit him in whatever role he is used this year.
