Introduction to the Suspension
NEW YORK (AP) — Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urías was suspended through the All-Star break by Major League Baseball on Friday under its domestic violence policy with the players’ association.
Urías had pleaded no contest last May to one count of misdemeanor domestic battery. The penalty was the second for Urías under the policy following a 20-game suspension in 2019. MLB said he will be reinstated from the restricted list on July 17 and as a free agent can sign with any team.
Background on Urías
A 28-year-old left-hander, Urías has not pitched since Sept. 1, 2023. He was arrested two days later outside BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, where he had attended a Major League Soccer game on Sept. 3 involving Inter Miami and Lionel Messi. The Department of Public Safety said it was contacted by someone, whose name was not publicly identified, regarding a physical altercation between a man and a woman.
Previous Charges and Plea
Urías initially was given a felony charge of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, and he was placed on administrative leave by MLB that Sept. 6.
Urías pleaded no contest to one count of misdemeanor domestic battery the following May 1 as four other misdemeanor charges were dropped. Los Angeles City Attorney’s office spokesman Ivor Pine said Urías was placed on 36 months of summary probation and ordered to complete 30 days of community labor. Urías must also complete a 52-week domestic violence counseling course, pay a domestic violence fund fee, not possess any weapons, not use any force or violence, pay restitution to the victim and abide by a protective order.
MLB Commissioner’s Statement
“Having reviewed all of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. Urías violated our policy and that discipline is appropriate,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement Friday.
MLB said Urías agreed to be evaluated by the joint policy board established by MLB and the players’ association and to comply with any of its recommendations.
Urías’ Career and Previous Incidents
Urías became a free agent after the 2023 World Series when his $4.7 million, one-year contract expired.
Urías was also arrested in May 2019 on suspicion of domestic battery. While he was suspended by MLB, he wasn’t prosecuted by the LA city attorney on the condition he complete a 52-week domestic violence counseling program.
Over eight major league seasons, all with the Dodgers, Urías is 60-25 with a 3.11 ERA. He led the National League with a 2.16 ERA in 2022 and was a member of the team that won the 2020 World Series, going 4-0 with a save and a 1.17 ERA in six postseason appearances.
Other Players Penalized Under the Policy
Urías became the first player suspended under the domestic violence policy since New York Yankees pitcher Jimmy Cordero on July 5, 2023. Cordero missed the final 73 games of the season, spent last season with the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan’s Pacific League and has signed with Mexico’s Toros de Tijuana for this season.
Others penalized under the domestic violence policy include Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer, Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman and pitcher Domingo Germán, Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell, Toronto pitcher Roberto Osuna, Colorado shortstop José Reyes and Atlanta outfielder Hector Olivera.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco remains on the restricted list and hasn’t played since Aug. 12, 2023, but has not been disciplined by MLB.
Conclusion
The suspension of Julio Urías through the All-Star break under MLB’s domestic violence policy marks a significant disciplinary action against the player. Urías’ history of incidents and the league’s commitment to addressing domestic violence issues are key factors in this decision. As Urías serves his suspension, he will have the opportunity to reflect on his actions and comply with the recommended counseling and community service.
FAQs
Q: How long is Julio Urías suspended from playing?
A: Urías is suspended through the All-Star break, with the possibility of reinstatement on July 17.
Q: What was Urías charged with?
A: Urías pleaded no contest to one count of misdemeanor domestic battery.
Q: Has Urías been in trouble for domestic violence before?
A: Yes, Urías was arrested in May 2019 on suspicion of domestic battery and was suspended by MLB at the time.
Q: Can Urías sign with any team after his suspension?
A: Yes, as a free agent, Urías can sign with any team after his suspension is lifted.
Q: What is the domestic violence policy in MLB?
A: The policy allows for the suspension of players who violate its terms, with the goal of addressing and preventing domestic violence incidents involving MLB players.
