For all their cautious handling of Julio Urias since signing him as a young teenager out of Mexico, the Los Angeles Dodgers lost their prized left-handed pitching prospect to a season-ending injury.
While pitching for Triple-A Oklahoma City, Urias felt a pop in his throwing shoulder but continued in the outing without any sign of trouble. But he experienced lingering soreness and discomfort, which led to an MRI.
Shortly after the Dodgers announced Urias was set for anterior capsule surgery on his throwing shoulder, which called for a recovery of at least 12 months and up to 14 months.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Urias is potentially in line to return by May, which would mark 11 months since the operation:
Julio Urias, who underwent surgery for a torn left shoulder capsule last June, is progressing well, according to Dodgers officials, who believe he could return to the team as early as May.
While shoulder surgery can prove to be a daunting reality for a pitcher, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said the club was encouraged that Urias’ injury was “acute,” and not a byproduct of attrition.
The sentiment was further validated by Dr. Neal ElAttrache after he completed the surgery. Moreover, Urias’ labrum and rotator cuff were said to be in good standing.
The 21-year-old threw a combined 54.2 innings this season, during time with the Dodgers and Oklahoma City. It was his lowest total since pitching 54.1 innings across 18 starts with Low-A Great Lakes in 2013, Urias’ first professional season.
While Urias went through a swing of emotions that included disappointment, he expressed confidence in the possibility of returning from the surgery an improved pitcher.
