UPDATE (May 14, 9:05 a.m. PT): The Los Angeles Dodgers released a statement on the alleged domestic violence incident Julio Urias was involved in, saying, “We learned about the alleged incident this morning and are in the process of gathering information. As a result, we have no comment at this time regarding the incident.
“However, every allegation of domestic violence must be taken seriously and addressed promptly, and we will cooperate fully with the authorities and Major League Baseball to ensure that that happens in this case.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers were forced to adjust their plans for Julio Urias heading into the 2019 MLB season, both in part because of his performance in Spring Training and injuries to members of their starting pitching staff along the way.
As a result, Urias broke camp as one of the club’s five starters. The Dodgers made it clear it would not be permanent, as the left-hander remained on an innings limit for what marked his first full season removed from shoulder surgery.
Urias made four starts prior to being placed in the bullpen. He’s adjusted to the role well and earned the first two saves of his career thus far. The first of which came when Kenley Jansen was unavailable due to pitching three straight days, and the next a three-inning appearance.
However, Urias appears to have run into personal trouble off the field. Early Tuesday morning it was reported the 22-year-old was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence. That has since been confirmed by ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez:
Can confirm reports that Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias was arrested last night on suspicion of domestic battery. The incident occurred around 7:30 pm PT at the parking structure of the Beverly Center in LA. Bail was set at $20,000.
— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) May 14, 2019
The Dodgers have not yet issued a statement or changed Urias’ status on the active roster. He posted bail shortly after midnight.
The Dodgers previously were entangled in a similar situation with Yasiel Puig in 2016. MLB conducted an investigation and Puig avoided suspension. In light of an unfortunate increase of domestic violence allegations, the league has taken a more proactive and aggressive approach.
Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell was suspended 40 games last October for violation of MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.
During the 2015 Winter Meetings, L.A. backed away from a trade with the Cincinnati Reds to acquire Aroldis Chapman as his alleged involvement in a domestic dispute surfaced just as a deal was agreed to. Talks didn’t resume, and Chapman was eventually traded to the New York Yankees.
Dodgers owner Mark Walter later said no one within the organization supported moving forward with the trade amid the allegations.
