Julio Urías was among the seven players from the Los Angeles Dodgers 40-man roster who committed to participate in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, and he was joined on Team Mexico by Austin Barnes.
The two formed the battery in both of Urías’ WBC starts, including his last outing over the weekend against Puerto Rico. Although Urías surrendered back-to-back home runs in the first inning, he was picked up by Barnes and the rest of the offense in a thrilling comeback win.
The victory put Mexico in the WBC semifinals for the first time in the country’s history, and on Monday they look to defeat Japan to advance to the championship game against Team USA.
However, as Mexico continues playing, they do so without Urías. According to Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times, Urías was removed from the Team Mexico roster and replaced by Roel Ramírez due to no longer being available to pitch:
Julio Urías was removed from Mexico’s roster, but he’ll remain with the team. He wasn’t going to pitch in the tournament again after starting Friday against Puerto Rico.
Right-hander Roel Ramírez replaced Urías on the roster.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) March 20, 2023
After not getting approval from the Dodgers to participate in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, Urías relished the opportunity to represent Mexico this year.
“It’s an incredible opportunity and experience to be able to put on that jersey and represent my country,” he recently said through a translator.
The left-hander didn’t earn a decision in his two starts for Mexico as he finished with a 7.00 ERA and 1.00 WHIP to go along with 10 strikeouts over nine innings pitched.
Dodgers set Julio Urías pitch limit
Pitchers were limited to a maximum of 65 pitches per outing during WBC pool play. That increased to 80 pitches for the quarterfinals and 95 in both the semifinals and finals.
Urías threw 62 pitches in his first start and 60 against Puerto Rico. Team Mexico complied with the Dodgers’ wishes on a pitch limit for their budding ace.
“So there’s going to be a conversation with the Dodgers to clarify so we’re on the same page,” manager Benji Gil said in Spanish prior to the semifinal.
“How many pitches they’re willing for him to throw, and also we will adjust with that. At the end of the day, the other day he threw 62 pitches in five innings. Maybe it’s something similar. Obviously we will try to win but we’re not going to try to jeopardize one of the best baseball players.”
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