Dodgers News: Urias Successful in OKC Bullpen

Many fans were crushed when the Dodgers decided to send Julio Urias down to the minors; however, this seems to be a temporary trip. The teenager was sent down on July 5th and many assumed it was the last time he would see the majors in the 2016 season, but his position at OKC could show otherwise.

Urias has been placed in the bullpen for OKC, which seems counterproductive since everybody was hoping he would be the next Fernando Valenzuela: a dominant starting pitcher from Mexico. The Dodgers, however, are hopeful that Urias can help out the bullpen in the second half of the season as the team makes a run for the postseason.

During his time in Triple-A Urias has extended his scoreless streak to 28 innings, while also getting some experience as a reliever.

Urias will pitch in relief for OKC, with occasional start.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) July 9, 2016

Julio Urias is going to pitch out of the bullpen for OKC. The Dodgers want him to learn how to do it.

— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) July 9, 2016

Julio Urias pitched a scoreless inning in relief for OKC #Dodgers today. Extends his PCL scoreless streak to 28 innings

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) July 10, 2016

Urias’ inning total is coming up on his career high which was 87 2/3 innings back in 2014, which may be why the Dodgers decided to send him to the bullpen as an attempt to save his arm. According to Bill Plunkett, Urias’ manager, Scott Boras, has been very pleased with the way the Dodgers have treated him thus far.

Talked to Scott Boras about innings limit on his client, Julio Urias. Boras said he is "happy" with way #Dodgers have handled the 19yrold

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) July 11, 2016

Urias made his MLB debut on the road vs. the New York Mets, and despite not pulling in the win he had impressive moments.

He only got better over his next couple of starts. When comparing his numbers to that of Clayton Kershaw’s they were nearly identical in comparison.

Dates for first NL stints for Kershaw and Urías were nearly identical. A comparison: https://t.co/JLt6dy2lSI pic.twitter.com/Yb45scQ8xf

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) July 5, 2016

There are no set in stone answers yet regarding Urias’ future. The only thing that is certain is that the teenager has a talent that the Dodgers’ can definitely benefit from, whether he’s with the starting rotation or the bullpen.

Hopefully the moves the Dodgers are making now are precursors for Urias’ near future with the club and we get to see him at the Chavez Ravine once again!

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