Fans of Vanderbilt and major league baseball won’t get to see one of their favorite Commodores play this year. Former VU standout David Price announced via his Twitter account that he has opted out of the 2020 MLB season shortened due to COVID-19, citing health concerns for him and his family.

“After considerable thought and discussion with my family and the Dodgers, I have decided it is in the best interest of my health and my family’s health for me to not play this season,” Price writes. “I will miss my teammates and will be cheering for them throughout the season and on to a World Series victory. I’m sorry I won’t be playing for you this year, but look forward to representing you next year.”

Price, who turns 35 in August, was traded by the Boston Red Sox to the Los Angeles Dodgers after the 2019 season. He played at Vanderbilt from 2005-07.

The Dodgers issued a statement saying they support Price’s decision:

“The Dodgers fully support David’s decision to sit out the 2020 season. We have been in constant contact with David and we understand how much this deliberation weighed on him and his family. We know he’ll be rooting hard for the club every day and look forward to having him back with us in 2021.”