Dodgers News: Julio Urias Recalled From Triple-A Oklahoma City
Julio Urias, Los Angeles Dodgers
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Julio Urias from Triple-A Oklahoma City ahead of first pitch in Monday’s series opener against the Cincinnati Reds. This brings the Dodgers to 36 players on their active roster.

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Urias joins the club for the first time since undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in June 2017, and his arrival comes later than most expected. There was an initial belief that the young left-hander would return just prior to or shortly after the All-Star break.

A slow recovery and throwing program prevented that from coming to fruition. Urias spent time pitching for the Arizona League Dodgers, High-A Rancho Cucamonga and Oklahoma City.

Some of that coming as part of a formal rehab assignment and other instances after he was officially reinstated from the 60-day disabled list.

In eight games (six starts), he pitched to a combined 5.40 ERA and 1.46 WHIP, while collecting 19 strikeouts in 11.2 innings. Urias last appeared on Sunday night for Oklahoma City, throwing an inning in Game 4 of the Pacific Coast League Championship Series. OKC was eliminated with the loss.

Although a starter by trade, the Dodgers intend to use Urias out of the bullpen. As it began to slip later into the season, a decision was made to shift from building him up as a starting pitcher to one who could log multiple innings out of the bullpen.

However, Urias was used in one-inning appearances and received at least two days of rest between pitching.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts nonetheless has expressed optimism and excitement over Urias reprising a role he had success with in 2016. Though, it’s unclear if Urias will have ample opportunities to earn a spot on a potential postseason roster this time around.

The 22-year-old is 5-4 with a 3.86 ERA in 23 career games (20 starts) over parts of two seasons with the Dodgers.