When the Los Angeles Dodgers called up Julio Urias from Triple-A Oklahoma City near the end of April, manager Dave Roberts said the plan called for the young left-hander to remain with the team for the duration of the 2017 season.
Of course, best-laid plans can tend to become but pie in the sky. Urias was strong out of the gate, pitching to a 2.06 ERA in his first three starts; the Dodgers went 2-1 in those games. However, the southpaw struggled in two ensuing outings.
Last Sunday, the Dodgers optioned Urias to Oklahoma City and recalled Josh Ravin in the event a long reliever was needed during the series finale against the Miami Marlins.
According to Oklahoma City broadcaster and media relations director Alex Freedman, Urias is scheduled to make a start on Saturday against the New Orleans Baby Cakes (Marlins affiliate):
Julio Urias officially added to the @okc_dodgers roster today. He’s scheduled to start Saturday in New Orleans. #Dodgers
— Alex Freedman (@azfreedman) May 24, 2017
In his last outing with the Dodgers, Urias labored and only managed to reach the third inning. He allowed seven runs (six earned) on seven hits, and issued three walks without recording a strikeout in 2.1 innings of work.
It was a second consecutive start in which the 20-year-old allowed six earned runs; Urias surrendered as much to the Colorado Rockies in just four innings on May 14. In 23.1 innings across five starts, he issued 14 walks to just 11 strikeouts.
Roberts in some sense was flummoxed by Urias’ struggles. One possible explanation was a change in delivery that aimed at keeping Urias more balanced and consistent. Roberts believed returning to Oklahoma City would allow him to sort through any potential mechanical issues, and work on getting ahead of hitters.
