MLB: Young Players that will Break Out in 2017
By Jason Reed
Julio Urias
Julio Urias got a premature call up to the big leagues last season, and he didn’t do as bad as everyone thought. After the Dodgers pitching staff got bombarded with injuries, the Dodgers had to pull the trigger on the then nineteen year old. Many expected Urias to make it to the MLB as early as 2017, but just two months ago we watched him pitch in the postseason. Urias, who is quickly developing, will break out in 2017 and be the true number 2 behind Clayton Kershaw.
The start to Urias’ career wasn’t the best. Urias’ first two games saw him let up eight runs in only 7.2 innings pitched. It was obvious the young leftie was nervous, and honestly likely wasn’t anticipated such a jump in talent. However, Urias ended the season with a 5-2 record and a 3.39 ERA. As the season went on Urias only got better and better. In the months of August and September Urias went 4-0, with a 1.99 ERA. Sure, Urias only threw just under 40 innings in that time frame, but he started showing more comfort and better production at the big league level.
This improvement with time is all the more reason Urias will break out next season. The Dodgers will have a longer leash on Urias, and allow him to pitch more than previous years. With so much pitching depth, Los Angeles hopefully won’t need to start Urias if they don’t have to. If soreness occurs, there are many other options to fill in on slot in the rotation. Urias will only get better with time, and 2017 will see him break out as a sensational talent.