Despite having the largest payroll in baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers are in danger of not making the postseason. Not only do they have the worst record of any team that is currently leading their division, but the Dodgers are only 2.5 games up on the San Francisco Giants. Heading into last night’s action, the Dodgers were tied with the Yankees for the eighth best record in baseball, trailing the National League leading Cardinals by 11.5 games. This certainly was not the season that the Dodgers expected.
While the Dodgers have struggled in various areas, there could be help on the horizon. Despite that high payroll, the Dodgers still possess a couple of top prospects in Corey Seager and Julio Urias. Even though the Dodgers are looking at promoting a few of their prospects once September rolls around, potentially in a relief role, Urias is not on that list at this point.
It is certainly understandable as to why the Dodgers would be against bringing Urias up at this point. He just turned 19 years old earlier this month, and has only pitched 13 games above A-ball in his career. As tempting as it may be, especially given the Dodgers bullpen woes, a playoff race may not be the best time to promote a still untested prospect to the majors.
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Yet, there is no denying the potential that Julio Urias has. In his 16 outings this season, Urias has produced a 2.96 ERA and a 1.026 WHiP, striking out 83 batters in 76 innings. Urias has also displayed impressive control, walking only 16 batters in those 76 innings, walking more than one batter only twice this season. For a young pitcher who can reach 96 to 97 MPH with his fastball, that command of his arsenal is quite striking.
While the statistics may state that Urias is major league ready, the fact remains that he is still only 19 years old. For as much of a confidence boost as Urias could get if he has a successful stint with the Dodgers down the stretch, the opposite could hold true is he gets shelled with the Dodgers postseason hopes hanging in the balance. It is a fine line between getting Urias that experience and potentially causing a setback in his development.
Julio Urias’ time with the Los Angeles Dodgers will come, only it likely will not be this season. For his continued development, and the long term benefits to the organization, that is the right decision.