Dodgers News: Julio Urias Suffers Setback, Return Pushed Back Indefinitely
Dodgers LHP Julio Urias will not be making his return to the mound on Sunday as initially expected.
Urias, who’s been recovering from a hamstring strain he suffered against the Cardinals last month, was supposed to return on Sunday to face the Phillies in Philadelphia. However, Urias suffered a setback in his recovery, and is having his return timeline pushed back.
Dave Roberts made the announcement on Friday, saying Urias won’t pitch off a mound again until next week, and will likely need a rehab assignment before being activated. That means we may not see him for another couple weeks.
#Dodgers Julio Urías is no longer starting on Sunday. During his bullpen yesterday his hamstring didn’t feel 100%. He will continue throwing, but likely won’t get off a mound again until next week. Dave Roberts added he will likely need a rehab assignment before being activated.
— Kirsten Watson (@kirsten_watson) June 9, 2023
This is a huge blow for the Dodgers, who were finally expecting to have a somewhat healthy rotation with Urias back. Now, though, the Dodgers will still have just four starters — Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, Bobby Miller and Michael Grove — and will have to make some decisions about the fifth spot in the rotation moving forward.
Half the Dodgers’ rotation options — Urias, Ryan Pepiot, Dustin May and Noah Syndergaard — are all currently on the injured list.
Roberts said a bullpen game is likely to occur this Sunday, but if Urias misses another few starts, the Dodgers may need to adjust their rotation. However, Roberts said with all the days off this month, they may be able to navigate with a four-man rotation.
Roberts also clarified Gavin Stone is not an option to be recalled for this Sunday’s game, so it’ll be interesting to see if the Dodgers do go with the four-man rotation, or if decide to dip into their dominant Double-A rotation or go with someone like Matt Andriese, who had a great May in Triple-A.
The Dodgers are going to go with a bullpen game Sunday, Roberts said
— Jack Harris (@Jack_A_Harris) June 9, 2023
After that, Roberts said they might be able to get away with only a four-man rotation until Urías does return, thanks to all the off days this month
Whatever the case, this is definitely a huge surprise, and unfortunate news for the Dodgers’ rotation and for Urias. Let’s hope his hamstring responds soon and he’s able to make his rehab start sooner rather than later.
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