Julio Urías’ 2023 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers came to an abrupt end after he was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence in September.
The incident occurred outside of BMO Stadium at the conclusion of a soccer game between the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) and Inter Miami that drew national attention because of Lionel Messi.
Urías was placed on administrative leave by MLB and did not appear in another game for the Dodgers. He is now a free agent, but his MLB future very much remains up in the air.
According to Jack Harris and Richard Winton of the L.A. Times, law enforcement officials completed their investigation and the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office is now deciding whether or not to charge Urías:
The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office has received a completed investigation from law enforcement for review, according to spokesperson Tiffiny Blacknell, meaning the D.A.’s office will now decide whether or not to charge the 27-year-old pitcher for what happened the night of Sept. 3.
During their investigation, law enforcement officials spoke to eyewitnesses and obtained video of the alleged incident:
During the extended investigation into this year’s incident, which was handled by California Department of Public Safety officers, authorities sought out eyewitnesses and obtained cellphone video captured by a bystander of the alleged incident, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who was not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity.
Even if charges aren’t filed against Urías, he will likely face discipline from MLB. The League is conducting its own investigation into the incident and commissioner Rob Manfred has the authority to impose a suspension or other penalty.
Urías was previously arrested in May 2019 for alleged domestic violence, but charges were never filed. He ended up serving a 20-game suspension before eventually returning to the Dodgers later that season.
Urías is the first player who faces disciplinary action for a second time under MLB’s domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy that was implemented in August 2015.
Dodgers distanced themselves from Julio Urías
While Urías was on administrative leave, the Dodgers replaced his World Baseball Classic bobblehead giveaway that was scheduled for September 21.
The team also covered all murals featuring Urías at Dodger Stadium, including the 2020 World Series painting in right field of the loge level that included Mookie Betts, Clayton Kershaw and Justin Turner as well.
The mural was updated by artist Jonas Never, with Austin Barnes and Will Smith taking the place of Urías.
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