The Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2018 season has gotten underway, but one expected contributor who is not yet with the team is Julio Urias. He is still back at Camelback Ranch rehabbing his arm coming off shoulder surgery.
The Dodgers are being cautious with their young 21-year-old pitcher, so Urias is not expected to pitch for the club until the latter part of the 2018 season. He was projected to miss at least one year after undergoing anterior capsule surgery last June.
When exactly Urias the Dodgers would be able to add Urias to their roster is unknown. Particularly considering he first will pitch in the Minors.
As it stands, Urias has slowly but steadily been checking off boxes in his rehab. But the throwing program has been delayed a bit, as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed Urias recently had his tonsils removed, according to Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times:
Julio Urias had his tonsils removed, which has slightly delayed his throwing program, Dave Roberts said.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) April 4, 2018
The Dodgers pitching depth took a bit of a hit this past offseason with the losses of Yu Darvish, Brandon McCarthy and Scott Kazmir, so Urias has the potential to fill a large need for the team down the stretch of the 2018 season.
He will need to be completely healthy for that to be possible though as the Dodgers do not want to risk Urias’ bright future for short-term success.
It is more likely that Urias is utilized as a reliever than a starter down the stretch if he is able to make his way back, although anything is possible at this point.
