MLB News & Notes: March 10, 2021

We're just a few weeks away from Opening Day. Here's the news roundup with the top stories you need to know.

After COVID-19 Violations, Ramirez, Reyes Return To Indians Camp

After violating MLB COVID-19 guidelines on Saturday, Cleveland Indians' third basement Jose Ramirez and designated hitter Franmil Reyes returned to camp yesterday.

Both players attended an indoor lunch together and got haircuts at a barbershop in Arizona, violating protocols. The team then sent both players out for COVID-19 testing.

Each player tested negative and has since been allowed to rejoin the team. They are both scheduled to be in the lineup on Wednesday in the Indians' next Spring Training contest against the Angels.

The players do not appear to be getting any further punishment from the Indians, but it remains to be seen if they will see additional punishment handed down by MLB.

This offense is Reyes' second violation of the COVID-19 protocols. Last year he attended a 4th of July party without a mask and had to quarantine and await testing results.

Yankees' Reliever Britton To Undergo Elbow Surgery

After experiencing soreness in his throwing elbow this past weekend, New York Yankees' left-handed reliever Zack Britton had an MRI on Monday to check for any structural damage.

The results are back, and he has a bone chip in the elbow, causing inflammation and soreness. The timetable for Britton's return is three to four months.

It is a big blow to the Yankees bullpen as Britton has been outstanding since coming over in a trade with the division-rival Orioles in the summer of 2018. 

In his 105 1/3 innings since joining the Yankees bullpen in 2018, Britton has amassed a 2.14 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 14 saves. He has been well worth the 4-year $53M deal he signed in the offseason after the 2018 trade from Baltimore.

Price May End Up In Dodgers' Pen

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher David Price may end up coming out of the bullpen this season. The Dodgers' pitching staff is loaded with talent, which may cause a pinch that will require someone to go to the bullpen.

It sounds as though the 35-year-old long-time starter is more than willing to take on that role if the team needs it. Price pitched the idea to the Dodgers before signing starter Trevor Bauer last month.

The Dodgers have former Cy Young Winner and MVP Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Trevor Bauer, Julio Urias, and David Price as a potential rotation. However, if the Dodgers want to get their young starters like Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May in the rotation, they may need to move one of the veterans to a relief role.

Price has yet to appear in a game for the Dodgers after coming over in a trade from the Boston Red Sox in 2020 with all-star outfielder Mookie Betts.

Price elected to opt-out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Dodgers supported his decision and didn't miss a beat as they went on to win the World Series without him.

The Dodgers are the clear favorite to repeat as World Series Champions, and the depth that allows them to consider moving a talented pitcher like Price to the bullpen is an incredible asset.