The Los Angeles Dodgers received troubling news three weeks ago when Julio Urias was arrested over suspicion of a domestic violence incident. Witnesses told police Urias shoved his girlfriend in the parking lot of the Beverly Center, though she refuted the claims.
Urias posted bail but was subsequently placed on seven-day administrative leave as MLB launched their investigation into the matter. Although commissioner Rob Manfred held the authority to extend Urias’ absence, the young left-hander returned after the initial seven days.
However, that was not a sign of the league concluding their investigation, nor was Urias clear of any potential legal ramifications. At the time of being placed back on the active roster, he and the Dodgers said they continued to cooperate with authorities.
Whether MLB will render punishment remains unclear, but Urias will not face charges from the L.A. prosecutors office, according to Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times:
Los Angeles city prosecutors will not file misdemeanor charges against Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias related to a domestic violence arrest at the Beverly Center, the L.A. City Attorney announced Monday.
The city attorney in an official statement announced it would “defer prosecution of Mr. Urias on the following conditions “(1) that Mr. Urias participate in a City Attorney hearing; (2) that he commit no acts of violence against anyone; and 3) that he successfully participate in and complete a 52 week domestic violence counseling program in person, and in a group setting.”
It remains possible Manfred could still elect to suspend Urias, though such a decision likely would not come unless the league is able to view surveillance video of the incident. Despite the time that’s passed, MLB still has not obtained a copy of the video.
Although not to dismiss the serious nature of the incident, a prior report suggested Urias’ physical act did not appear to carry any intent to harm. That presumably was a factor in charges not being brought forth, and Urias also avoiding punishment — at least for now — from MLB.
