David Price’s ERA almost matches his salary.
OK, that’s a bit hyperbolic, but the surly left-hander got crushed in his Dodgers preview, surrendering home runs to the first two batters he faced Friday in Los Angeles’ 10-6 win over the Rockies. The fiasco was Price’s first outing since Sept. 1, 2019.
The Red Sox shipped Price to the Dodgers that offseason along with Mookie Betts, but Price opted out of the season. He begins the 2021 campaign as the most expensive reliever in baseball, collecting $32 million to pitch out of the bullpen.
On Friday, Dave Roberts summoned Price to relieve Trevor Bauer, who pitched six no-hit innings in his Dodgers debut. Bauer was pulled after giving up two home runs to begin the seventh inning, giving way to the costliest pitching change in MLB history (Bauer’s annual salary is $38 million).
The Rockies kept the dinger party going against Price, with catcher Dom Nunez and right fielder Sam Hilliard taking him deep. They were the last two hitters in Colorado’s lineup.
Price fanned All-Star Charlie Blackmon to finally end the frame with two runners on base, but in another apparent sign of rust, forgot to leave the field immediately.
After missing an entire season, it could take a while for the 35-year-old Price to rediscover his stuff — if he finds it at all. Understandably, Red Sox fans are still lamenting Betts’ departure. But trading Price was a net positive.
Going, going, gone.