Dodgers News: Julio Urías Still Waiting for Clarity on Role in 2021
The journey to the majors wasn’t easy for Julio Urías, but he announced himself as one of the top young arms in the game during last year’s postseason. Heading into 2021, the plan seemed to be for the young left-hander to be a fixture in the starting rotation. The incredible depth at the position, however, has made things more complicated.
Having made three appearances thus far in spring training, Julio is facing some uncertainty regarding his role heading into the start of the season. When asked if he had been given a definitive answer between being a starter or pitching out of the pen, Urías couldn’t give much of an answer.
No. For now, we’ve been working on every 5 days. That’s what they’re trying to do with me. And just the same, I’ll try to respect their decisions and come in everyday, work hard and just wait until my next opportunity. If that’s every 5 days, then I’ll give it 100% every time. If that’s what they ask of me, then that’s what I’ll do.
It’s incredible that Julio’s spot in the rotation is still up for debate after how much he proved last season. He’s been treated with kid gloves in previous years, partially due to various injuries but also because of his age. While he did start in 10 of his 11 games last year, he was once again inserted into the bullpen for most of the postseason, where he absolutely shut down opposing hitters.
Related: Julio Urías likely to still be on an innings leash in 2021
Julio’s success out of the bullpen in 2020 might actually be working against him as the team makes their final decisions on the opening day roster. His October dominance proved that he has the makings of a shutdown reliever, but his potential as a starter is still too good to give up on.
There is still a good chance that Julio finally sticks in the starting rotation this year, but whatever his role, it looks like he’ll be ready to give it everything he has.
NEXT: Optimizing the Starting Rotation with David Price’s Willingness to Pitch Out of the Bullpen
Given the starting pitchers the Dodgers have, I don’t think the fact that his “spot” in the starting rotation is up in the air is incredible at all. The man hasn’t proven he can get out of the first inning unscathed. His last Spring start did nothing to dispel that issue either. On the other hand he has proven he’s really good out of the pen. My guess is Dodgers are leaning towards the pen for him.
Urias should be the 4 starter behind Buehler, Kershaw, and Bauer. Preferably in that order, to maximize the RHP, LHP variation. He is the only LHP to go along with Kershaw in the starting rotation. Price is an LHP, but belongs in the bullpen.
Urias earned it with last seasons outstanding postseason performance. Just let the guy pitch. If he falters, you can swap with Price. Urias has earned a starter role far more than Lux has earned a shot at 2B.
Well said Dodger106W and I agree with you Julio “El Hombre” Urias (7) Earned his spot as a starting pitcher! After all he is one of the big reason “We Are The Champions”
“Congratulations to The 2020 World Series Champions LA Dodgers”
“Let’s Do a Repeat in 2021”
I don’t think it’s about who earned what. To me it’s what is his best role and what makes for the best pitching approach as an entire staff.
Sadly, he has not proven to Roberts that he deserves to be a starter yet. He has not been all that good in spring training. His status is frankly up to him.