Julio Urías is going to remain away from the Los Angeles Dodgers for the foreseeable future as he was placed on paid administrative leave by Major League Baseball. The leave removes Urías from the active and 40-man rosters, and typically is for seven to 10 days, but can be extended in a joint agreement between MLB and the Players Association.
MLB has the authority to unilaterally put players on administrative leave while conducting an investigation, but with Urías, came to an agreement with the union. It also appears the 27-year-old will remain on the restricted list indefinitely.
“Per an agreement between MLB and the MLBPA, Julio Urías has been placed on Administrative Leave until further notice as MLB continues its ongoing investigation,” the league said in a statement.
“The administrative leave, which is effective immediately, is not disciplinary under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. We will refrain from further comment until the appropriate time.”
Urías was arrested late Sunday night on suspicion of felony domestic violence charges. The incident is believed to have occurred after a soccer game between the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) and Inter Miami at BMO Stadium, which drew national attention due to Lionel Messi.
Mookie Betts, David Peralta and Clayton Kershaw also were among those in attendance. It’s unclear if the Dodgers teammates crossed paths or were together during the match.
This marks a second instance in which Urías has put been on administrative leave by MLB. The first instance was in response to the left-hander getting arrested in May 2019 on suspicion of domestic battery during an incident at the Beverly Center.
One month later, the L.A. prosecutors office announced they would not press charges against Urías under the conditions that he participated 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.
MLB still suspended Urías for 20 games for violating the league’s domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy. He did not return to the team until September of the 2019 season.
Thus far no player has been suspended twice for violating MLB’s joint domestic policy since it was implemented in 2015.
Will Julio Urías ever pitch for the Dodgers again?
Considering Urías twice has been involved in a domestic violence situation and that he is due to become a free agent after the 2023 season, it would appear unlikely he ever pitches again for the Dodgers.
“Today, Major League Baseball announced that Julio Urías has been placed on administrative leave until further notice while an investigation is being conducted, per the sports’ joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy with the Major League Baseball Players Association,” the Dodgers said in a statement.
“The Dodgers take all allegations of the kind in this case very seriously, and we do not condone or excuse any acts of domestic violence. We are fully cooperating with MLB’s investigation and support MLB’s and the Commissioner’s enforcement of the policy. The Dodgers will have no further comment at this time.”
Julio Urías bobblehead night canceled
The Dodgers announced a Urías World Baseball Classic bobblehead has been replaced by a select premium giveaway. Freddie Freeman, Tommy Lasorda and Chris Taylor are going to be among the Dodgers bobbleheads distributed at random on September 21.
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