The Los Angeles Dodgers were forced to shut Julio Urias down this month after he reported soreness in his throwing shoulder. Put on the disabled list by Triple-A Oklahoma City, Urias traveled to Los Angeles to undergo an MRI and be examined by Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
Nearly one week later, the Dodgers don’t have much information other than Urias is hindered by inflammation. “We’re continuing to gather more information,” manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday.
“Whether it be a second opinion or more tests.” Urias has not resumed throwing, and when he will remains unclear. “With Julio, we’re trying to be extra cautious,” Roberts added. “I haven’t heard anything definitive at all.”
The Dodgers have been overly cautious in their handling of the prized left-hander since signing him as a teenager out of Mexico.
Urias worked on an innings limit last season and faced the same proposition again this year. That amounted to a disjointed Spring Training, which included a couple days missed due to illness.
Urias fell behind other starters in terms of a throwing program and remained in extended Spring Training. He eventually was sent to Oklahoma City, making three starts for the affiliate before joining the Dodgers near the end of April.
The expectation was Urias would remain with the team for the duration of the regular season. The 20-year-old allowed two runs over 17 innings through his first three starts with the Dodgers.
Though, Urias did issue 10 walks during that span, including two outings with four walks. Shaky command led to poor results in two starts that followed. Urias struggled to put batters away and allowed a combined 13 runs (12 earned) in just 6.1 innings, leading to a demotion.
Roberts was hopeful Urias would use the time with Oklahoma City to sort through mechanical issues that negatively impacted his command. Urias went 3-0 with a 3.12 ERA, six walks and 17 strikeouts in 17.1 innings pitched in three starts after being sent down.
