Julio Urías developed into an ace for the Los Angeles Dodgers over the past two seasons, but he wasn’t able to continue that in 2023 until recently.
Inconsistent performance a left hamstring strain contributed to Urías going 6-5 with a 4.76 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. He came out of the All-Star break with six scoreless innings against the New York Mets, only to allow a career-worst eight runs to the Baltimore Orioles in an ensuing start.
The left-hander has improved since then, particularly in his last four starts. Urías set a career high with 12 strikeouts against the Colorado Rockies on August 13 and followed that by holding the Miami Marlins to one run over seven innings.
“It’s that time of the season,” Urías said through an interpreter. “Body feels good, my mind is really strong and feels good. Like I said before, it’s just attacking hitters, going with that mentality and getting after guys.”
Urías has gone 4-0 with a 2.63 ERA and .184 batting average against in his past four outings. The Dodgers won each of those starts and seven of his last 10.
“I think it’s contagious. When guys are rolling and the team is going well, everybody wants to encourage each other and contribute to the team win,” Urías said.
“I think that’s where the focus is. We’re trying to push each other and get going.”
Urías getting back to a high level of performance could be taken as being motivated by the postseason fast approaching and the potential to start the first game for the Dodgers. However, that’s not a factor the 27-year-old is concerned about.
“We’re trying to achieve great things together,” Urías said. “Whether I’m one or five, it doesn’t really matter. Just trying to go out there and do my job. Do the job for my teammates is my focus.”
Julio Urías & Dodgers postseason rotation
With Clayton Kershaw back from the 15-day injured list, Urías pitching well and Lance Lynn’s emergence, the Dodgers are on track to have three quality starters for the playoffs.
Should Urías continue on his current trajectory, it stands to reason he may again be tapped to start Game 1 of the National League Division Series.
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