Since joining the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 27 for his Major League debut, Julio Urias has been on start-by-start basis. He was optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City after his first start, but returned once Alex Wood landed on the disabled list.
Since that point, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has faced a steady dose of questions pertaining to Urias’ immediate future and status in the rotation. Over the past week indications have bee the young left-hander would face the Washington Nationals on Wednesday, then likely be taken out of the picture for the time being in effort to control his innings.
However, the Dodgers appear to have reversed course, ever so slightly. “He’s earned the right to keep going,” manager Dave Roberts said on Tuesday. “We’re looking forward to the start on [Wednesday] and he’ll make the next one after that. He will for sure get one more and we’re going to continue to evaluate.”
Along with Urias continuing to impress as he gains more experience, the decision to keep him in the rotation — for now — is related to Mike Bolsinger recently being optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City, Roberts said.
What’s a certainty at this point is Urias’ start after the Nationals game will come on the road. However, whether it’s Monday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, or Tuesday against the Milwaukee Brewers, hinges on the Dodgers’ decision with the off-day.
The club has not yet decided if starting pitchers will remain on regular rest, or if a spot starter will be used Friday to give those in the rotation an extra day of rest.
