Dodgers Team News

Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Doesn’t Want Julio Urias in Bullpen, Minors Possible

The Julio Urias conundrum is one of the more fascinating stories across baseball. Blessed with the talent to reach the majors at 20-years-old, Urias is restrained by an innings limit. The designated limit hasn’t been revealed, but it’s enough to put his early season availability in question.

Urias could start the year in the rotation, bullpen, minors or extended spring training. One of those can be scratched off the list.



Los Angeles is moving forward with Urias strictly as a starter. That doesn’t mean he’ll open the year in the rotation, however.

[graphiq id=”98K3sX5QPv7″ title=”Julio Urias 2016 Complete Pitching Splits” width=”600″ height=”832″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/98K3sX5QPv7″ ]

A combination of Brandon McCarthy, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Alex Wood and Scott Kazmir are expected to finish the rotation, leaving Urias for extended spring training or the minors. If the Dodgers want Urias below 170 innings, or even lower, we won’t see him in the first several weeks.

Joel Sherman reported today the minors are the likely destination.

Decision day is approaching. Until then, the focus is on getting Urias ready to pitch in any capacity. He’ll return to the mound at Dodger Stadium soon enough, regardless of how his season begins.

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Gabe Burns

Gabe Burns is an award-winning journalist. He serves as a reporter and editor at the DodgersNation news desk. He additionally works as editor-in-chief of The Spectator, Valdosta State University's student paper. Gabe's work has been featured on a number of platforms, including Draft Breakdown and Pro Football Spot. His byline has been cited in media such as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune. Aside from covering Dodgers baseball, Gabe enjoys watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Orlando Magic and Tampa Bay Lightning. He can be followed on Twitter at @GabeBurns_DN.

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