While Julio Urias was primed to make his MLB debut last season, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ record number of injuries dictated that it take place under unexpected circumstances. After being called on for a spot start, Urias was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City, only to return four days later.
That set the tone for the young left-hander, who bounced to and from OKC, and in and out of the Dodgers bullpen with plenty of regularity. Urias joined the Dodgers for the duration of their postseason run, appearing in relief in the National League Division Series and making one start during the NL Championship Series.
Urias’ usage last season surpassed what the Dodgers initially outlined for their top prospect in 2016. The club has already said an innings limit will once again be in place, and floated the possibility of keeping Urias in extended Spring Training when the team breaks camp.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and manager Dave Roberts did not provide specifics on a plan for Urias this spring, though intend to deploy him as they would any other starting pitcher, per Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times:
Neither Friedman nor Roberts would commit publicly to a plan for Urias this spring. He will appear in Cactus League games “just like any starter,” Roberts said.
What Friedman did rule out is Urias becoming a full-time starter with the Dodgers this season:
“He’s not at the point where he’s going to make 32, 33 starts, throw 200-plus innings,” Friedman said. “So exactly how we manage that, and when, is something we’ve spent some time talking about this winter. We’ll continue to talk about it throughout the spring.”
Urias threw a total of 127.2 innings in 2016, which easily set a career high. That previously was the 87.2 innings he tossed over 25 games (20 starts) with High-A Rancho Cucamonga in 2014.
While injuries forced Urias into the rotation last season, the Dodgers’ depth is affording the team with the luxury of holding back the 20-year-old so that he’s available down the stretch and into the playoffs.
Speaking during FanFest at Dodger Stadium last month, Urias said he’s supportive of the Dodgers’ decision(s) and did not have a preference between starting the season in extended Spring Training or being shutdown
