Dodgers: Julio Urías Being Built Up as Starter During Suspension
According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, recently suspended left-hander Julio Urías could be brought back as a starting pitcher upon his return. Urías was suspended 20 games by Major League Baseball on Saturday in response to a domestic violence dispute.
While Urias is suspended, he will build up endurance at Camelback Ranch and become a starting option for October.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) August 18, 2019
Urías, 23, will continue to get work at Camelback Ranch and could be an option as a starter down the stretch — possibly into October. While the Dodgers currently possess a plethora of starting pitching options outside of the big three of Hyun-Jin Ryu, Clayton Kershaw, and Walker Buehler, Urías could be near the top of the list for a Game 4 in the playoffs.
Options
When evaluating the other options, right-handers Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May are options. Current rotational piece Kenta Maeda will most likely be heading to the bullpen in the coming days. 39-year-old Rich Hill, who is currently on the 60-day injured list with a flexor strain in his pitching elbow, will also be an option. Long story short, the Dodgers have options and those who are not making the postseason rotation will surely garner consideration as postseason bullpen arms.
Overall
On the season, Urías has tossed 67 2/3 innings of a 2.53 ERA and 3.73 DRA. In his career as a starter, Urías holds a 3.73 ERA with about a strikeout per inning as opposed to a 2.17 ERA as a reliever. Regardless of his role, Urías should factor in as one of the Dodgers best staff weapons.
Urias should remain in the ballpen as a long and short lefty reliever. Let May or Gonsolin start and the other relieve. Give both of them the opportunity to do both. As I have said many times before they have to start playing situational BBall for the playoffs and stop swinging for the fences every time. It seems if they don’t hit a HR they don’t score.