Since signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012 as a teenager out of Mexico, Julio Urias has faced plenty of expectations. The talent that captivated famed scout Mike Brito and then-scouting director Logan White carried over stateside as Urias dominated Minor League batters.
He quickly climbed his way up the ranks, flashing a remarkable repertoire and level of maturity that was well beyond his years. After struggling in two starts with Triple-A Oklahoma City at the end of last season, Urias returned there in 2016.
The prized left-hander began the season 4-1 in eight games (seven starts) and led the Pacific Coast League with a 1.10 ERA and 0.78 WHIP. Urias received the long-awaited call this week, joining the Dodgers to make his Major League debut on Friday against the New York Mets.
According to ESPN’s Doug Padilla, Urias couldn’t help but take a minute to reflect on his journey out of Culiacán, Mexico:
“I’m not going to lie, when I went out there, I started thinking about everything I had to go through to get here,” Urias said. “But when I was on the mound, I was able to settle down and feel a little more comfortable. Unfortunately we weren’t able to get the results we wanted.”
Urias was chased in the third inning, exiting with the Dodgers trailing 3-1 and the bases loaded. While the start wasn’t on par with what Urias has grown accustomed to in the Minors, the night will be one the 19 year old remembers:
“I’m very happy,” Urias insisted. “This is the best day of my life, as it is for any big league player that makes their debut. Although we didn’t get the results we wanted, I will continue to work hard, and I thank God for the opportunity he gave me.”
The Mets placed Urias under further pressure with a patient approach at the plate, forcing the young lefty to locate in the zone. None of the 17 batters Urias faced swung at the first pitch, and he started only four of those hitters with a first-pitch strike.
Urias did start off on a high note, recording his first career strikeout in the Majors only one batter into the game. He finished the game with three runs allowed on five hits, four walks and three strikeouts.
Video above courtesy J.P. Hoornstra of Southern California News Group
