Dodgers Video: Julio Urias is Now Throwing

Julio Urias was one of the most highly touted pitching prospects the Dodgers have ever had, so it was a bummer when he had to go under the knife at just 20-years old. He had surgery to repair the capsule in his throwing shoulder, a procedure that typically keeps a player out for 15 months or more. It appears his rehab is going well however, as Julio posted a video throwing from flat ground.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhHqCAKBHRL/?hl=en

While Julio throwing off flat ground is a good sign, he’s still quite some time away from throwing off a mound. Still only 21-years old, Julio will be brought along slowly in his rehab. This is nothing knew for the young pitcher, being brought along slowly has been the story of his short career.

In all likelihood, Julio will return to the Dodgers in August or September at the earliest. Once he does get back to game action he’ll get an extended run in the minor leagues to get back to where he needs to be. Julio has had a good start to his Major League career, pitching to a 3.86 ERA over 100.1 innings. He’ll look to get back to this level before he’s asked to return to the Majors.

Between him and Walker Buehler, the Dodgers have plenty of major league talent ready to heavily contribute. And it couldn’t come at a better time, as the bullpen and back end of the rotation have struggled or been overworked early on.

Outlook

Hyun-jin Ryu’s contract is up after this year, and who know if he will receive an offer from Los Angeles. Alex Wood is in a similar situation, with his contract set to expire at the end of this season. The only difference being that Wood will be heading for arbitration. Rich Hill is signed through 2019, but he is also in the midst of his age 38 season.

.Urias will likely contribute as a bullpen option upon his return, perhaps even into the playoffs. But he is vital for the team’s long-term plans.