Dodgers Team News

Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Still Debating Julio Urias’ Near Future

Will Julio Urias start the season in the rotation? The minors? Extended spring training? Dave Roberts doesn’t have an answer just yet.

Urias made his spring debut Tuesday, allowing a run and striking out two in a 14-pitch first inning. In an interview with Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times, Roberts said there’s ongoing internal discussion regarding Urias.



“You guys want to know, Julio wants to know and we really want to know a decision, too,” Roberts said. “But I think that we’re really not trying to act too quickly. As you see, we’ve been very cautious … “We have conversations all the time and try to make him understand that it’s not an easy situation. He’s a special person and pitcher. So we’re really trying to be methodical about what’s best for him and what’s best for us.”

McCullough estimates a 160-180 inning cap, which is slightly above our guesstimation in late January based on Scott Boras’ previous comments after pitcher health.

The Dodgers want Urias available for the playoffs. Fortunately, the team is so deep in rotation options, it can afford to skip starts. Alex Wood, Ross Stripling, Brock Stewart, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Brandon McCarthy, Scott Kazmir and Trevor Oaks are all vying for starts. Each could have an opportunity depending on how Roberts elects to manage Urias and Kenta Maeda.

Los Angeles’ starters have performed admirably in the early going. Kazmir gets his first shot Wednesday, while Ryu will throw a sim game.

Miss Cody Bellinger and Alex Verdugo going deep this weekend? Check out the video.

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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