LA Dodgers' David Price Announces On Social Media He's Opting Out Of 2020 MLB Season

Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander David Price became the latest player to opt out of the 2020 season on Saturday. He announced his decision with a message on his social media accounts.

Here's Price's explanation in whole, as originally shared on his Twitter account:

The Dodgers acquired Price, along with outfielder Mookie Betts, as part of an offseason trade with the Boston Red Sox. The Dodgers sent Alex Verdugo, infielder Jeter Downs, and catcher Connor Wong to Boston. 

Unlike Betts, who is a free agent at season's end, Price is under contract through the 2022 season. Unless he's deemed to be a high-risk individual, he'll forfeit his salary from this season (more than $10 million). 

Price had been expected to be the Dodgers' No. 3 starter, behind Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw. The Dodgers could now turn to Dustin May, Jimmy Nelson, or Tony Gonsolin in his place -- if, that is, any season is to be played.

Earlier in the week, a handful of players exercised their right to sit out the season, including Ryan Zimmerman, Joe Ross, Mike Leake, and Ian Desmond. Price is arguably the biggest name player to do so to date.

Major League Baseball originally scheduled its season to begin on March 26. The spread of the novel coronavirus forced the league to hit pause about two weeks beforehand. The season is now expected to begin on July 23, although it stands to reason that the state of the pandemic could force the league to scrap those plans.

This article was originally posted to CBSSports.com