Dodgers News: Julio Urias Unlikely to Make Opening Day Roster
There were hints Julio Urias was ticketed for the minors. Now there’s more smoke.
While Dave Roberts wouldn’t eliminate the idea of Urias making the team, all indications suggest otherwise.
Dave Roberts said the book isn't closed on Julio Urias making the Opening Day roster, but, yeah, he's probably not making the roster.
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) March 15, 2017
Urias had his worst appearance of the spring against Seattle Wednesday. He was unable to complete an inning, giving up two runs. He was pulled having only gotten two outs on 31 pitches.
Roberts said Urias was removed because of 30-pitch inning.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 15, 2017
Roberts hedged on whether Urias would be stretched out enough to be ready to break with the team.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 15, 2017
Roberts said Urias wasn’t going to come out of the bullpen, which crossed off one option. A report earlier this week said Brandon McCarthy and Alex Wood are the leading candidates to complete the rotation, another sign that Urias isn’t in the picture.
Right now #Dodgers leaning toward Urias in minors in April to conserve IPs so available all yr, plus playoffs
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) March 12, 2017
If Urias doesn’t make the roster, it’s not an indictment of his ability. Prior to today, he was having a solid spring. He impressed in 18 games last season. But he’s still a 20-year-old who isn’t prepared to handle a heavy innings load. For the betterment of his long-term health, both physically and financially, it makes sense to go slow.
[graphiq id=”74wszcKNM7r” title=”Julio Urias 2016 Complete Pitching Splits” width=”600″ height=”828″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/74wszcKNM7r” ]He may not start the year in Los Angeles, but he’ll finish the year there if health allows. The Dodgers want Urias for the playoffs, and the sacrifice might be April and May.
Kenley Jansen is off to … Dodger Stadium for the WBC final round