Just as Julio Urias seemed to be realizing his potential as a key part of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitching staff, he was arrested last week on suspicion of domestic violence.
Urias posted bail and was released, but Major League Baseball immediately placed him on a seven-day administrative leave as league officials investigate the matter further.
The Los Angeles Police Department is conducting an ongoing criminal investigation into the incident. What will come of that is unclear, as surveillance footage of the incident in question suggests Urias had “no criminal intent to injure” his girlfriend.
The Dodgers have remained tight-lipped about their response to the incident, releasing a statement that promised full cooperation with MLB and law enforcement.
Manager Dave Roberts became the first member of the Dodgers organization to speak publicly about it, understandably erring on the side of caution given the serious nature of the matter, via SportsNet LA:
“I think that right now Major League Baseball is going through their process and trying to get all the facts, get as much information as they can. Right now, we’re going to kind of stand pat, let the process run its course. … Each day goes by, then we’ll know more information. … I don’t know the facts and so right now, I’m choosing my words wisely and very hesitant until we learn more. Obviously, it’s not ideal in any sense of the word. Fortunately, Major League Baseball is kind of digging into this as they should. We’re going to let the guys that are trained to kind of go through this process, do what they do, get the facts, and that’ll give us a lot more clarity.”
The Dodgers dealt with a similar investigation into domestic assault allegations against Yasiel Puig in 2016. Puig was cleared by both authorities and the league and avoided a suspension.
Under the MLB Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy, though, commissioner Rob Manfred has the unilateral authority to suspend any player accused of violating the policy, regardless of potential criminal prosecution.
The most recent example of an enforcement this policy is Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell, who Manfred suspended for 60 games after Russell’s ex-wife accused him of abusing her.
In late 2015, the Dodgers backed out of a trade with the Cincinnati Reds for superstar closer Aroldis Chapman after domestic violence allegations emerged. Chapman was later traded to the New York Yankees and suspended for 30 games to start the 2016 season.
