Julio Urías pitched with a drop in fastball velocity during his final start of Spring Training and despite his assurances and confidence from Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, that carried into the regular season as well.
Urías pitched just two-plus innings in a subpar performance against the Colorado Rockies, but was much improved against the Cincinnati Reds. “I felt good,” Urías said through an interpreter.
“Obviously going into a second start, made some adjustments with my mechanics and felt really good.”
Roberts said prior to the game he anticipated a bounce-back performance from Urías, citing work with Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior during a between-starts bullpen session.
“Just be myself on top of the mound. The last start was a little weird, everything was a little bit strange in Colorado,” Urías said of the changes. “This time I just felt like myself and felt like I was doing the things I needed to.
“Just adjustments we make throughout the year. Obviously a shortened Spring Training this year and things that kind of come up. You just make adjustments, watching video and things we do in the bullpen.”
Urías wound up getting through five scoreless innings with just one hit allowed. His fastball velocity still was not up to a career average, but overall command was much improved.
Urías relieved to have DH
Despite being one of the Dodgers starting pitchers who has swung the bat well, Urías was content not having to face Reds rookie Hunter Greene.
“He throws really hard. What an incredible talent,” Urías said. “The way he’s able to throw the baseball is very impressive. Also, it’s just kind of baseball. You throw a 99 mph fastball and it gets hit over the fence.”
When asked if he was pleased the universal designated hitter is now in place, Urías answered, “Very happy.”
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