Dodgers’ Julio Urías Arrested on Felony Charge, Faces MLB Investigation
MIAMI — The Los Angeles Dodgers were met with shocking news on Monday as it was revealed that starting pitcher Julio Urías had been arrested on suspicion of a felony charge of corporal injury on a spouse. Urías, who was supposed to start Thursday’s game, did not join the team for their road trip to Miami after being released on $50,000 bond.
The incident has raised serious concerns, not just about Urías’ immediate future with the Dodgers, but also about his status as one of the top free-agent starters on the market. According to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department court records, Urías has a court date set for September 27, which falls within the final week of the team’s regular season. Exposition Park police, who are handling the case, have until that date to potentially file charges against the 27-year-old left-hander.
In addition to the legal implications, Urías is now the subject of a looming Major League Baseball (MLB) investigation. However, the details of the investigation remain undisclosed. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his disappointment, stating, “It’s certainly very unfortunate. For us, we’re just sitting and waiting as the process continues until we know more.”
This is not Urías’ first involvement in a domestic violence-related incident. In 2019, he was suspended for 20 games by MLB after an investigation into an arrest on suspicion of domestic battery. The suspension was accompanied by a 52-week in-person counseling program for Urías. It remains to be seen whether MLB will impose further punishment in light of the recent developments, as the commissioner has the authority to act independently of the court system in cases related to domestic violence.
The Dodgers organization is now waiting for more information from law enforcement and MLB to determine their next course of action. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the situation but emphasized that the focus should be on resolving the matter while also staying committed to the team’s near and long-term goals.
The news of Urías’ arrest compounds the Dodgers’ pitching woes, as they have already lost Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin to season-ending surgeries. Clayton Kershaw, who started Tuesday’s game, is still recovering from shoulder trouble. The team had attempted to bolster their rotation at the trade deadline but was unsuccessful. Despite the challenges, Friedman expressed confidence in the team’s pitching staff, stating, “We feel like we’re going to have a lot of talent on our pitching staff in October.”
As the legal process unfolds and MLB conducts its investigation, the Dodgers’ focus remains on winning games and preparing for the postseason. The organization hopes for a resolution that allows Urías to fulfill his potential without impeding the team’s success.
[Photo Caption: Julio Urías on the mound. (Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea / USA Today)]