Dodgers News: Julio Urias to Injured List, Zach McKinstry Recalled from Minors
If it’s felt like it’s been a little while since an IL move, well it has… at least for these Dodgers. Today the club announced that left-handed pitcher Julio Urias was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left calf contusion. In a corresponding move, utility man Zach McKinstry was recalled from the taxi squad.
The Dodgers recalled IF/OF Zach McKinstry and placed LHP Julio Urías on the injured list with a left calf contusion.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 14, 2021
This marks the first injury-related roster move in 3 whole days, which feels like a record in 2021. Moreover, this is the first time Urias has been placed on the IL this season.
In a bubble, there’s a positive outlook to Julio seeing some time on the sidelines. The now 25-year-old has already shattered his previous career-high in innings pitched for a season with 138.2 this year. He tossed 79.2 innings back in 2019 as a swingman for the pitching staff.
Mixing in this break — which the team hopes has the lefty miss one start, could pay huge dividends deep into the postseason, particularly with the status of Clayton Kershaw somewhat up in the air.
Related: Dodgers Open to Clayton Kershaw in a Bullpen Role if Need Be
For Zach McKinstry, he opened the season on the active roster for LA, ultimately missed more than a month with an oblique injury, and subsequently struggled in his return from the IL. The infielder/outfielder was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on August 1st where he collected just 2 hits in 17 at-bats. In 58 games with the big league club this season, Zach has a .217/.265/.408 triple slash line with 7 home runs and 29 runs batted in.
He re-joins the bench which also welcomes back Justin Turner, who is available for pinch hitting duty tonight in New York.
NEXT: Dave Roberts Left with a Thin Bullpen after Extra Inning Win in New York
Well then, prepare for additional BP games. I am having a difficult time seeing Dodgers or any other team surviving these injuries, especially to the starters. Julio was our # 3 starter, now what?
Oh, oh. This isn’t going to be one of those days where the Dodgers offense says to themselves, “Well we played so hard yesterday we’ll take today off,” is it?
Yeah, everyone needs to take a day off today, kick back and watch the Giants pull away – even further.
I can just see this club in mid September – 1 starter left standing, a bull pen of 16 guys and no bench. Just kidding. I’m confident we’ll have 2 starters standing by Sept. 15th ; )
If baseball was a railroad, the Dodgers would be the train wreck and Roberts would be Casey Jones.
Awesome! And so true!
No hit thru 6. The Dodgers are consistent if nothing else.
And tn the 7th, Will Smith hits tying HR, so no hitter and shutout gone just like that. I am liking Smith in the #3 slot right now. Dodgers actually win their 2nd extra inning game in a row after Bellinger doubles in the winning run in the 10th inning.
Dodgers 4-1 so far on the road trip. They are grinding away. Still a lot for them to clean up, but great to see back to back extra inning wins. Mets’ fans have been so pumped in this series so it’s especially satisfying to see Will Smith “Laserium” in 2 consecutive games.
Regarding Julio going on the IL, it’s understandable that any injury, especially to a Dodgers’ SP’er gets your attention. But, it does seem like this will be Julio missing possibly 1 or 2 starts and then he’ll be ready to go.
The short term concern is that may mean 2 BP games and even more challenges for the Dodgers.
In the longer term, Julio getting a little rest is a positive–as long as the calf contusion has healed completely while he’s on the IL and there are no issues.
I got a feeling this is one of those slick moves to get Julio a few days off. Nothing more. The 10 day IL has been used fairly religiously and quite effectively for us since it’s inception. Mitch White might surprise in a spot start and give us 5 or 6 innings. And Uceta has had a few moments here and there where he has looked really good. I think Friedman is rolling the dice and hoping the offense steps up when necessary. And both these young arms give a boost to our rotation for a week or 2.
Folks, this is why there should be a Dh throughout MLB. Now Dodgers had to put a starting pitcher on IL as a result of an AB. I just hope the MLBPA settles for nothing less than having a DH in NL next year. This could have been avoided.