David Price appears to be taking a big step in the right direction now that he is a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The former Cy Young winner made his first start of the spring on Monday, pitching 1.1 innings against the Cincinnati Reds. After the game, Price, who has battled carpal tunnel syndrome and circulatory problems in his wrist throughout his entire career, gave a positive update on his health.
“I have feeling in my fingers, in my hand,” said Price, per Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times. “It’s not freezing cold right now. It’s got blood flow. It’s warm. It’s a different feeling for me. It’s nice.
“Having feeling in my fingers, a warm hand, I think it will do a lot of good for me,” he continued. “I feel good for where I’m at after two live batting practice [sessions] and one outing.”
The 34-year-old Price, who has managed his condition through physical therapy and treatment, saw it worsen in 2019 with the Boston Red Sox. The result was an uninspiring 7-5 record with a 4.28 ERA in 22 starts.
With three years and $96 million left on his contract, Price was largely seen as a tax on the Dodgers in their acquisition of ex-AL MVP Mookie Betts. If he can recapture even some of his past glory however (especially with the depths that Price has gone to treat his hand), the team’s ceiling will increase even further.
