Julio Urias Lining Up to be Dodgers Opening Day Starter

Clint Pasillas 03/21/2023

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Dodgers ace lefty Julio Urias was removed from Team Mexico’s roster ahead of Monday’s World Baseball Classic game. The two clubs spoke and determined that he wouldn’t line up to pitch again after pitching on Friday and the championship game lining falling on Tuesday.

Ultimately it proved to be a moot point after Team Japan came from behind to defeat Team Mexico in the Semi-Finals and will be facing Team USA in the Championship game tomorrow. With that, Urias will be returning to Dodger camp and coming back to reality.

But it looks like there’s a nice reality awaiting the pitcher. Dave Roberts spoke with reporters on Monday and shared the game plan for Julio to get back into action. And that game plan has him lining up to start on opening day.

#Dodgers MGR Dave Roberts said Team Mexico ace Julio Urias will pitch in a Cactus League game on Friday. That would appear to line him up for the regular-season opener the following Thursday night.

— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) March 21, 2023

The left-hander will face the Milwaukee Brewers at Camelback Ranch on Friday. That would line him up perfectly for the game one now. Importantly, it would be the first opening day assignment of his career.

Urias is entering his final season under contract with the Dodgers and there’s mutual interest in a long-term contract between the sides. Starting on opening day would be a nice show of appreciation for the homegrown star. Julio put together an All-Star caliber season but was snubbed for a spot on the National League roster.

An opening day start could help elevate his status around the league a little more — even though his stats over the last few seasons should be more than enough — and potentially help get him more love for this year’s midsummer classic.

Opening day is on Thursday, March 30th. The Dodgers welcome the Arizona Diamondbacks for a 7:10 PM game