Julio Urias’ Return Coming into Focus for Dodgers, Daniel Hudson Update

Dodgers ace Julio Urias got off a mound for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury in St. Louis back on May 18th. He’s a few more days behind schedule than anticipated, it was a good step in the right direction toward a return which is now has a date circled on the calendar.

Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic was among those to report the update on Twitter.

Dave Roberts described Julio Urías’ bullpen session today as a “touch and feel.” Will throw off the main mound this weekend, then face hitters early next week. Could be back that following weekend in Philadelphia.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) May 30, 2023

“Julio threw 15 pitches, it was more of a touch and feel,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I think the plan is on Saturday he’ll get out here and throw on the mound then two or three days after that he’ll do a simulated three inning situation.”

Doc added that he doesn’t expect Urias to head out on a rehab assignment but would likely do one more simulated outing before “most likely” being activated during the series in Philadelphia if all goes well.

In the interim, Michael Grove will come off the injured list and take Julio’s next turn in the rotation on Saturday while fellow rookie starter Bobby Miller will remain in Dustin May’s spot, leap frogging Gavin Stone in the depth chart pecking order.

Julio Urias has had an uncharacteristic season so far with a 4.39 ERA over his first 10 starts. Most of the damage has been done in three separate outings including the 6 earned runs he allowed after first injuring his hamstring in St. Louis.

Busy Bullpen

Julio Urias wasn’t the only Dodgers pitcher throwing in the bullpen at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday. Injured reliever Daniel Hudson also got off the mound and took a step toward making his return to the active roster.

“Huddy threw about 30 pitches,, used his entire pitch mix. He was really good,” Roberts said on Tuesday. “I don’t know what’s next… I’m trying to temper my excitement until I see him facing some hitters. … I know he wants to get back with us. He still feels it in his knee. Today he came out of it really well but again, once he goes out on rehab and pitches back to back, then I’ll really get excited.”

Via SNLA

Hudson has missed the entire season up to this point after blowing out his knee last season. He came into spring training ready to compete for a job in the bullpen but setbacks with his surgically repaired left knee have kept him sidelined. The veteran had a cortisone injection in his irritated knee last week.

Roberts admits the irritation likely won’t go away. For Hudson, it will be about pain management.

If the Dodgers could get him back “it would be huge.”