Dodgers News: Julio Urias Not Scheduled to Pitch for OKC

Julio Urias’ time is near.

Urias isn’t scheduled to pitch in Triple-A this week, and Dave Roberts alluded to a promotion. It appears likely we’ll see Urias at some point in San Francisco.

Julio Urias is not listed as the probable starter for any of OKC's next four games.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) April 24, 2017

Dave Roberts on Julio Urias next start. Could he start for #Dodgers next week? "He might."

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) April 22, 2017

The 20-year-old Urias started the season in the minors due to an innings limit. Roberts suggested Kenta Maeda’s Thursday start could be bumped to Friday, opening a day for Urias.

If Urias is promoted, it’s not a moment too soon. Dodgers starters not named Clayton Kershaw or Brandon McCarthy hold a collective ERA north of six. The team has not only been receiving poor performances, but short starts, putting an early season tax on the bullpen.

But for Urias, it’s longterm health first. The Dodgers withheld temptation to pitch him immediately, but once he’s called up, it’s likely for the rest of the season.

The Dodgers most promising young arm, Urias didn’t need to overwork himself innings-wise. Los Angeles wants to make sure he’ll be available for the postseason.