The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Julio Urias from the restricted list on the first day he was eligible to be activated, and the young left-hander is immediately returning to the mound with a start Tuesday against the Colorado Rockies.
Urias will be built up throughout September as he takes the place of Kenta Maeda, who has been moved to the bullpen in preparation for playing a key role as a relief pitcher in the postseason.
Urias began the process of stretching out while serving a 20-game suspension that was imposed by MLB commissioner for violating the league’s domestic violence policy. Urias was credited for the five games missed while placed on administrative leave in May.
That stemmed from an arrest on suspicion of domestic battery during an incident at the Beverly Center.
In June, the L.A. prosecutors office announced they would not press charges against Urias under the conditions that he participate in a City Attorney hearing, commit no acts of violence against anyone, and successfully participate in and complete a 52-week domestic violence counseling program in person, and in a group setting.
Urias cooperated throughout the investigation and at the time of accepting his suspension, acknowledged wrongdoing with his actions and said he didn’t want to be a distraction. Now back on the active roster, the same sentiment remains in place.
Urias declined to provide details behind his arrested and instead said, “I respect the decision from the league. It was their decision and I fully accept it. That already passed. I’m back here, with my team, and I’m moving forward.
“I cooperated with the league and did everything they told me to do. It was their decision. I respected it and said, ‘Let’s move forward.’ What I didn’t want was to keep putting my team and organization in a position where I’m distracting us from the great season we’re having. I’m back now, thankfully. I’m here with them. And let’s move forward.”
While Urias avoided legal punishment and has answered to MLB, the next hurdle may be the reception from fans. “I really don’t know,” he said when asked what to expect. “Whatever decision they make, if it’s good or bad, I’m going to go out there and give 100%.”
