Dodgers' Price optimistic about season: MLB 'proved it can work'

Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander David Price is among players who are cautiously optimistic that Major League Baseball will follow through on completing a full, 162-game schedule in 2021.

"I think baseball did a pretty good job with it last year, being able to limit the cases that spread," Price said, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. "They proved it can work. I'm sure they learned a lot from last year, and I look forward to seeing what kind of changes they make and plan on doing going forward."

Price, 35, opted out of the 2020 season due to concerns related to the pandemic. He has yet to appear in a regular-season game for the Dodgers after being acquired from the Boston Red Sox last February alongside outfielder Mookie Betts.

He intends to be in camp and ready for Opening Day.

"We'll see what happens over the next month, but my plan is to be there for the start of spring training."

Price has two years and $64 million remaining on his contract, half of which is being paid by the Red Sox.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred recently told teams that spring training will begin on time on Feb. 17 and that the regular season is slated to start April 1.

The league originally wanted to delay the campaign by a month, but the players' association rejected any postponement without a full season of pay, according to Nightengale.