Editorials

Dodgers News: Julio Urias #5 Ranked LHP Prospect By MLB Pipeline

Julio UriasAs it stands right now, the Los Angeles Dodgers have a top heavy farm system with the likes of Joc Pederson, Zach Lee and Corey Seager at the top of the class. Another addition to that top-3 is left-handed starter Julio Urias, a 17-year-old from Mexico, who the Dodgers scouted when they went to sign Cuban outfielder Yasiel Puig.

However, Urias has created a large amount of buzz early in his career as he pitched for the Great Lake Loons in Class A last season. In anticipation of the 2014 season, Teddy Cahill from MLB Pipeline ranked Urias among the top-10 left-handed pitching prospects:



5. Julio Urias, Dodgers: Just 16 years old for most of the season, Urias flourished while making his U.S. debut in the Midwest League. The Mexican native attacks hitters with a low-to-mid-90s fastball, and his changeup and curveball are promising offspeed pitches. He combines projectability with a feel for pitching that is well beyond his years.

It isn’t know where Urias will pitch in 2014, but smart money is on him starting playing with Seager at High A Rancho Cucamonga. Along with being ranked fifth among left-handed prospects, the young lefty scored a 55 on a scale from 20-80 in regards to future tools. While he received a 65 for both his fastball and curveball, Urias received a 55 for his changeup and control.

Along with the other Dodger top prospects, Urias has been mentioned in trade rumors for Tampa Bay Rays ace David Price, though a trade for the 28-year-old left-hander at this point seems highly unlikely.

Other left-handers of note in the NL West along with Urias are San Diego Padres lefty Max Fried, ranked third and San Francisco Giants starter Edwin Escobar, ranked eighth. It’s clear the Dodgers farm system is moving in the right direction as Seager ranked sixth by MLB Pipeline among shortstop prospects and Urias is trending in the right direction.

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Ross Gasmer

Ross Gasmer is a Social Media Producer for @TheHerd and was a contributing writer and editor for Dodger Nation. Follow him on Twitter @Ross_Gasmer12

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