Julio Urias, the former MLB wins leader for the Dodgers, could make his return to the team 'any minute,' according to agent Scott Boras. The Dodgers have a history of acquiring top talent, even after losing key players.
Los Angeles Dodgers Vs New York Mets
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - May 22: Pitcher Julio Urias #78 of the Los Angeles Dodgers with team mates in the dugout before pitching during the Los Angeles Dodgers Vs New York Mets regular season MLB game at Citi Field on May 27, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
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The Los Angeles Dodgers have earned a reputation for adding superstar players to an already star-studded roster in recent years.
But shortly before their back-to-back championship run began, they lost one too.
After making 21 starts for the Dodgers in 2023 and then reaching free agency, veteran starter Julio Urias sat out the 2024 season amid a Major League Baseball investigation following a domestic violence arrest. He was suspended for the first half of the 2025 season before being reinstated as an eligible player, but choosing to remain off the mound.
Former Los Angeles Dodgers Star Julio Urias Is Generating Comeback Interest, His Agent Says
Earlier this year, Spanish-language publication Diario AS reported that Urias was spotted participating in a youth baseball training session in Mexico. And now Uriasâ agent, Scott Boras, has indicated that there is a high level of interest from MLB teams that would like to help him make a return.
âTeams ask me about him all the time,â Boras told the Los Angeles Timesâ Bill Shaikin. âWith the pitching market in this world, Julio could play any minute. But I think itâs about him deciding if itâs something he wants to do right now.â
Though Urias was a controversial figure at the time of his Dodgers exit, teams could be interested in helping him return to the mound if they believe he can pitch at his previous heights.
Urias recorded the final out for the Dodgersâ 2020 World Series championship run. Then, in 2021, he served as MLBâs total wins leader with 20 wins and a 2.96 ERA across 32 starts for the Dodgers. The next season, he logged a National League best 2.16 ERA across 31 innings. Both the 2021 and 2022 campaigns earned him Cy Young Award votes.
Former Los Angeles Dodgers Star Julio Urias Remains In Self-Imposed Exile From Pitching
But given Uriasâ apparent lack of interest in making a return and being the only player twice suspended under MLBâs domestic violence and sexual assault policy, teams might not be as eager as Boras would like the public to believe.
Former Dodgers starter and Cincinnati Reds Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer has been outspoken about his interest in returning to a major-league mound following his own suspension. His suspension ended before the 2023 season but the closest heâs been able to get to a return to date is a deal with an independent league team.
If Urias does decide to end his self-imposed exile from pitching, it sounds like Boras is prepared to help him seek a comeback in the majors. But the agent refused to get into specifics without the pitcherâs direct blessing.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
Q&A
When is Julio Urias expected to return to the Dodgers?
Julio Urias could return to the Dodgers 'any minute,' as stated by his agent Scott Boras.
What is Julio Urias's significance to the Dodgers?
Julio Urias is the former MLB wins leader for the Dodgers, highlighting his importance to the team's success.
How have the Dodgers managed to maintain a strong roster?
The Dodgers have built a reputation for adding superstar players to their already talented roster over the years.
What impact did losing Urias have on the Dodgers before their championship run?
Losing Julio Urias before their back-to-back championship run was a significant setback for the Dodgers, as he was a key player in their lineup.
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