Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Julio Urias will remain in the starting rotation and make his Dodger Stadium debut on Tuesday night against the Colorado Rockies. Prior to Saturday, Roberts had yet to commit to another start for the 19-year-old left-hander.
Urias has been tested early, facing the New York Mets at Citi Field in his Major League debut, and Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in his second career start. While the outcomes may not have been favorable, Urias did enough to earn a third start.
“He didn’t get the results he would’ve liked in his first two starts,” Roberts said prior to Saturday’s game with the Atlanta Braves. “But the way the ball was coming out, the way he competes and handled himself in New York and Chicago, we want to see him again.”
Urias allowed six runs (five earned) on eight hits, including three home runs, and had four strikeouts to one walk over five innings pitched against the Cubs. Urias’ command, which was predictably shaky in his debut, was improved in his second outing.
He appears to also have benefitted from the Dodgers’ pitching depth being ravaged by injury. “We looked at the different options and we felt he did throw the ball well in Chicago,” Roberts said. “So, to get him a start at home is great for him and us. He deserves it.”
Urias has replaced — for now at least — Alex Wood, who is on the 15-day disabled list and has a posterior impingement in his left elbow that requires approximately four weeks of rest.
